South Shields pupils showcase their acting skills in Shakespeare event at primary school

The staff at St Gregory’s RC Junior School were left with no option but to create two separate casts for their showing of Hamlet after wowing them with their acting skills.

The play was chosen to enhance the learning of the year six pupils who had been studying Shakespeare productions as part of their literacy work.

Two different casts took to stage on July 13, in two performances held at the school in Harton House Road East, South Shields, ahead of the school holidays.

Year 6 teacher, Elaine Carrahar who produced and directed the plays alongside Tricia Fenwick and Kath Wilson, said: “This was a very challenging production with lots of lines and lyrics for the pupils to learn.

“Parents always thoroughly enjoy seeing their children perform and were impressed with the standard of acting and singing.

“The last performance of Hamlet was five years ago so it was nice to see several former pupils return to watch this one.”

The show was supported by a choir of year five pupils.

Mrs Carrahar added: “The Hamlet Musical is usually performed by KS3 pupils so this was very ambitious for 10 and 11-year-olds.

“The show included many solos for key principals and extensive lines for Hamlet. But the children coming into year six always look forward to the challenge.”

Next year’s performance will be Twelfth Night.

Past performances include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest and Macbeth.