Talented students from Burlington Danes Academy in White City had a chance to perform for royalty on Wednesday.
They entertained Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall by acting scenes from the Great Bard’s famous comedy Much Ado About Nothing, at Southend’s Palace Theatre yesterday.
The event was the first in a series celebrating William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday this year.
Sixth former Fred Gill, 17, said: "It was an honour to perform in front of Prince Charles and to talk to him afterwards about the variety of dramatic events we put on at Burlington Danes. He seemed really interested in what I had to say."
The Prince and Camilla found time during their tour of Essex to watch the youngsters tread the boards alongside representatives from five other schools. The royal couple then joined the actors and their teachers on stage for a meet and greet.
Burlington Danes Academy’s head boy, Jadon Guthrie, 16, said: “What was perhaps most inspiring about the day was how genuine and enthusiastic Prince Charles was.”
The Shakespeare Schools Festival is the UK’s largest youth drama festival, providing students from all backgrounds the opportunity to perform Shakespeare in professional theatres.
Chief Executive Penelope Middelboe said that Shakespeare himself has just spoken to us through these young people.
“Shakespeare Schools Festival is about sharing something so extraordinary that people find the courage to stand on stage and speak some of the greatest words ever written. We are so excited to share this with Their Royal Highnesses in this very special year for Shakespeare,” she continued.
Teddy Prout, head of performing arts at Burlington Danes Academy, said: “Performing Shakespeare in its original form was as exciting for our students today as it has been for the generations of professional actors that have come before them.”
The Burlington Danes ensemble will visit 11 Downing Street next month for a final rendition in front of government ministers.
Alabama Nutt, 14, said: “I really enjoyed the thrill of being on stage in front of a live audience and I can’t wait to do it again at Downing Street.”
