"Sharper, spookier storytelling than many a full-fat, four-hour version" - The Financial Times

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The National Theatre is touring with their production of Hamlet, adapted for children aged 8–12, to schools across the country. The 65-minute version of the play provides an accessible first introduction to Shakespeare.

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Introducing young audiences to the world of theatre, an energetic retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedies Hamlet will be seen by 19 schools across Tameside in partnership with Tameside Cultural Services, part of Tameside Council as part of a six-week schools tour across England, culminating in performances at the National Theatre from 20 – 28 March 2023. The National Theatre issued a national announcement recently about the tour and production.

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The National Theatre are quoted as saying “We believe everyone should have access to high quality theatre. That’s why we tour into selected schools nationwide. Working with our partners, we bring productions to school halls across the country in order to grow and sustain live audiences for theatre”. And this is why they are visiting Tameside.

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This year they are bringing their performance of Hamlet to four host high schools as part of an Arts Award Discover project, enabling Years 4-7 from feeder primary schools, plus the Year 7’s from the host high schools, to attend the performances.

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Prior to seeing the show, The National Theatre are facilitating practical workshops which introduces the plot, characters and language of the play to primary schools who are able to take part. There is also the opportunity for teachers to attend a CPD twilight session on creative approaches to challenging texts at Key Stage 2. Alongside this Tameside Cultural Services have co-created an Arts Award Discover log, which selected Year 7 students from the host high schools will complete linked to the performance.

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As a result of The National Theatre’s work, 1,200 pupils across Tameside will get the chance to experience Hamlet through high quality acting.

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Schools taking part in this project are:

• Great Ashton Academy, Ashton-under-Lyne

• Oasis Broad Oak Primary, Ashton-under-Lyne

• Holden Clough Primary School, Ashton-under-Lyne

• Hurst Knoll Primary School, Ashton-under-Lyne

• St. Christopher's RC Primary School, Ashton-under-Lyne

• Alder Community High School, Hyde

• Dowson Primary Academy, Hyde

• Gee Cross Holy Trinity Primary School, Hyde

• Droylsden Academy, Droylsden

• Moorside Primary Academy, Droylsden

• Greenside Primary School, Droylsden

• Manchester Road Primary Academy, Droylsden

• St. Mary's CE Primary School, Droylsden

• Mossley Hollins High School, Mossley

• Milton St John’s Primary School, Mossley

• Micklehurst All Saints Primary School, Mossley

• St. George’s Primary School, Mossley

• St. Joseph’s Primary School, Mossley

• Livingstone Primary and Nursery School, Mossley

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Follow 'In Tameside' on Instagram and Facebook for updates as this amazing project progresses.

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