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Free resource reinvents Shakespeare for primary schools

A free online theatre resource is offering a primary school-friendly version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The National Theatre’s On Demand in Schools has released a version of the play suitable for 8 to 12-year-olds, using modern language and set in an urban environment.

It includes a video of the play to stream online – recorded live during its run at the National Theatre earlier this year – with accompanying lesson plans and worksheets.

On Demand in Schools was set up in 2015 to enable schoolchildren to have access to curriculum-linked productions free, and caters for key stages 2 and 3.

Alongside the newest addition, available plays include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Othello and Treasure Island.

Alice King-Farlow, director of National Theatre Learning said: “We’re thrilled to bring the National’s production of Romeo and Juliet to primary schools. The show was a huge hit with children and adults, and really brings Shakespeare’s masterpiece to life for a new generation.

“We’re hopeful that in the future every primary and secondary school in the UK will be able to access world-class theatre through this service.’’
About 350 primary schools and 1,900 state secondary schools have joined the service.

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