A five-star rated retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most well known tragedies, Hamlet, will visit schools across Blackburn with Darwen.
Reaching more than 8,000 young people in total, the production will visit pupils as part of a six week tour into school halls across seven areas of England, including Blackpool and Blackburn.
The tour is in partnership with new creative community venue The Old Electric, Blackpool and young people’s bridge Curious Minds for Blackburn and Darwen.
It aims to introduce children to theatre and will include workshops, teacher training and resources for teachers to explore creative learning approaches to the world of Shakespeare.
Director Ellie Hurt (A Christmas Carol, Shakespeare North Playhouse) said: "I'm so excited to bring back Tinuke Craig's reimagining of Hamlet for young audiences.
“To be able to take it from the National Theatre stage and into schools across the country means this show will not only be some of our audience's first experience of Shakespeare, but also of live theatre.
“Along with a brilliant cast, creative and production team who have crafted this exciting, engaging and inclusive show, we hope to inspire younger audiences to explore the limitless possibilities in Shakespeare and theatre."
This version is adapted for audiences aged eight to 12 years old by Jude Christian (Dick Whittington, National Theatre) and originally directed by Tinuke Craig (The Colour Purple, Vassa).
It stars Simeon Desvignes in the role of Hamlet alongside Curtis Callier, Adam Clifford, Ashley Gerlach, Kathrine Payne, Claire Redcliffe, Annabelle Terry and Monique Walker.
From February 21 to 24, the production will visit:
• The Old Electric (hosting St John's Catholic Primary, Armfield Academy, Flakefleet Primary School)
• Avondale Park Primary School, Darwen
• Roe Lee Park Primary School, Blackburn
• Pleckgate High School, Blackburn
• St. Cuthbert's Primary School, Darwen
• Cedar's Primary School, Blackburn
Speaking about last year’s touring production, a teacher said: “It’s a brilliant way of introducing Shakespeare to young people; making the plays accessible and enjoyable and boosting the confidence of young people.
"This project breaths life in Shakespeare's plays and ignites a new passion for theatres.”
Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, said: “Our first experiences of live theatre can open a whole new world of discovery and opportunities, and so we are delighted to bring Jude Christian’s exciting adaptation of Hamlet for young audiences back to the National Theatre and on tour to schools across the country.
“By transforming school halls with this production, we hope to introduce new young audiences to Shakespeare and theatre, and support teachers to ensure drama and creativity continues to be a key part of learning in primary schools”.
Tickets for public booking are now available at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hamlet.
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