On the 26th of February 2025, our Sixth Form young people took to the stage at the Albany Theatre in Deptford to perform their own interpretation of Macbeth as part of the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival (CSSF). This was their second time participating in the festival, and with Macbeth being one of Shakespeare’s darker and more intense plays, they truly stepped up to the challenge! Our journey with Macbeth began with simple storytelling sessions and engaging drama games that helped our young performers connect with the play’s themes and characters in a fun and meaningful way. When possible, we incorporated these games into our performance, adding a unique and playful dimension to our interpretation while staying true to the intensity of the story.

Along the way, we also discovered some fascinating facts about Shakespeare and his works. One of the most surprising facts we learned was that Macbeth contains what is considered the first-ever ‘Knock, Knock’ joke! In Act 2, Scene 3, the porter answers a persistent knocking at Macbeth’s castle gate with a darkly comedic monologue, playing the part of a devilish doorman. Once we discovered this, we knew we had to incorporate it into our piece, bringing a moment of levity to contrast the play’s tension and drama. This experience was a testament to the young people's hard work, creativity, and passion for performance. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing where their theatrical journeys take them next!