YOUNGSTERS across the country will celebrate the works of Stratford’s most famous son during Shakespeare Week.
The scheme run by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust promotes the enjoyment and understanding of the playwright’s works, life and times.
There will be Shakespeare-themed nature trails courtesy of The Woodland Trust, interactive online game ‘Mission Shakespeare’ and ‘Shakespeare Books in the Wild’ where 154 books – the number of sonnets written by the Bard – will be released into communities across the country, to be found and passed on by readers.
Another highlight of the week, running from March 12 to 18, will be The Big Shakespeare Poetry Performance – a live broadcast of poetry, comedy sketches, rapping from schoolchildren and performances from poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan.
Trust spokesperson Sally Gray said five million children had been introduced to Shakespeare’s stories, characters and language since the scheme was launched in 2014.
She added: “Every child should have the chance to experience the best of our heritage and culture.
“Teachers tell us that as well as having fun with Shakespeare, children also gain improved communication, creative and critical thinking skills, greater confidence, and broadened horizons.
“These results powerfully put paid to any notion that Shakespeare is boring and difficult, lacks relevance or is somehow ‘for others’.”
Visit www.shakespeareweek.org.uk for more information.
* THE RSC is preparing for some family fun in Stratford over the Easter holiday from April 3 to 13.
Activities will include a chance to create art inspired by Romeo & Juliet and learn the tricks of the trade behind stage bruises, cuts and scars.
Visit www.rsc.org.uk/easter for full details.
