Year 11 watch Macbeth at The Globe Theatre
Year 11 pupils at St Mary’s Catholic High School had an unforgettable experience when they visited The Globe Theatre on London’s Bankside on Tuesday, 11th March, to watch a thrilling performance of Macbeth. This outing provided a perfect opportunity for them to immerse themselves in one of Shakespeare's most iconic plays ahead of their upcoming GCSE English Literature examination.
The students were treated to a daring new production of Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank: Macbeth, a fast-paced, 90-minute version created specifically for young people. Set in a modern-day war zone, the production focused on soldier Macbeth’s ambition to fulfil a prophecy by seizing power, which ultimately leads to disastrous consequences. The performance raised a thought-provoking question: when one man's obsession with power drives a nation into conflict, can anyone rise up and be a force for good?
Travelling by train to London Bridge and then walking along the Thames to the theatre, the pupils got a taste of London’s rich cultural scene. The Globe Theatre, an academic replica of the original 1599 and 1614 structures, is not only a renowned venue for Shakespearean plays but also an educational and cultural landmark. Its design includes the Yard where the audience has to stand, just as the original theatregoers did.
Sheron, a Year 11 pupil, shared his excitement about the unique experience of standing in the Yard. He noted that, although it was a bit chilly, the engaging performance kept everyone captivated. "We didn’t mind the cold because the play was so interesting – though we were glad it wasn’t raining!" he said. Sheron went on to explain that being in the Yard made them feel much closer to the action, especially when actors interacted directly with the audience, even involving some of the students from the school. “It made the experience more fun and memorable.”
When asked if the experience helped with understanding Macbeth and preparing for the exam, Sheron enthusiastically responded, “Definitely! Even though the performance was set in modern times with guns and bombs, we could still follow the story and grasp the play’s main themes. We’ve been so well prepared that there were moments when some of us were reciting the lines along with the actors. It was a fantastic experience!”
The visit to The Globe Theatre was an inspiring and enriching way for the pupils to connect with Shakespeare’s work and deepen their understanding as they approach their GCSEs.
(Photograph from The Globe Theatre's website: Welcome to Shakespeare's Globe | London)
