On Wednesday 6 September 2023, our English Faculty took 92 Year 11 pupils to watch award-winning director Wils Wilson's production of 'the Scottish play' Macbeth at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The production featured brilliant special effects including rain and pyrotechnics, as well as excellent stage combat and was a powerful portrayal of the Shakespearian tragedy. 

Our pupils were impressed with the performance, with many commenting on the special effects. One character who shone for staff and pupils was the Porter who broke the 'fourth wall' and talked freely with some of our Year 11s! One pupil said, 'I enjoyed the light relief of the Porter'. 

As Macbeth is a set text for GCSE English Literature, the show was a good way for the pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the play. A pupil remarked, 'I have been to see a lot of Musical Theatre, but this was my first time watching a play. It was very different but brilliant. It really helped my understanding of the play.'

We would encourage any pupils in Key Stage 4 who have the opportunity to watch a live performance of Macbeth to grasp that opportunity. The 2015 film adaptation with Michael Fassbender and the 2010 film with Patrick Stewart are good alternatives if pupils are unable to see a theatre production.