Hundreds of children enjoy sell-out Shakespeare performances across Chichester District

Hundreds of schoolchildren across the Chichester District have been introduced to the magic of Shakespeare through a series of fully booked interactive theatre performances.

The production, called MakeBeth, offered a creative and imaginative retelling of Shakespeare's famous tragedy Macbeth, using cardboard, puppetry, live music and audience participation to bring the story to life.

The performances formed part of a schools and communities tour organised by Culture Spark, an arts partnership involving Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.

The partnership, which has been running since 2021, aims to bring creative experiences and opportunities to communities across the district.

Created by theatre company Cardboard Adventures and Shakespeare's Globe, in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre and Leeds Playhouse, MakeBeth encouraged children to become part of the storytelling.

Rather than simply watching the actors perform, youngsters were invited to create key elements of the production using cardboard cut-outs, helping to shape the action unfolding before them.

The tour visited several local schools, including Bosham Primary School, Portfield Primary School, Sidlesham Primary School, Chichester Free School and Petworth Primary School.

Additional performances were held at the Guildhall in Priory Park, Chichester, and Fishbourne Roman Palace.

The production received enthusiastic feedback from schools, with one even requesting that the experience return in the future.

Chichester District Council says the performances were particularly successful in engaging children with special educational needs, with the interactive format allowing youngsters of different abilities to participate.

Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, said: "Chichester District is an area rich in arts and culture, and I am thrilled that this really unique piece of theatre received such a fantastic turnout.

"Hundreds of children in schools across the district used their imaginations to get stuck in and contribute, and we have received some really enthusiastic feedback from the schools that the production toured - one school has even asked for a repeat event in the future! Schools and members of the public loved how immersive the performances were, and the actors created a really magical and inspiring atmosphere for all children to get involved and enjoy.

"The performances were especially engaging for children with special educational needs, and this was highlighted in the comments that we received.

"For some children this may have been their first experience of live theatre, so I hope that 'Makebeth' inspires a lasting love of the arts and storytelling."

The council hopes the success of the tour will encourage more children and families to explore theatre, storytelling and other cultural activities available across the district.

Further information about the Culture Spark partnership and its community projects is available at culturesparkchi.co.uk.

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