RICHARD III

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Richard III? William Shakespeare? With 10/11 year olds? Really?

What could have been more obvious? It was a perfect choice. Y6 study the same historical figure in history and surely the ever growing attention seeking city of Leicester deserved a salute from the fine city of Norwich. And, having latched onto the concept of marrying the historical with the contemporary by setting it in a car park, using hi-visibility vests for the scene changes and a musical motif of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’, there was no turning back.

Like Richard III’s journey back into the spotlight, this one was not without questions, trials and tribulations ( no deaths though!). But, the 40 strong cast did themselves proud. They may not have seen a Shakespeare play, but they have all now been a part of a Shakespeare production; they learnt their words; they analysed their words; they delivered their words; they waited backstage; stood in the light and performed in the haze.What better way is there to dispel fear and instil an enthusiasm, understanding and appreciation of the best ever wordsmith whose themes and characters continue to resonate centuries later.

Ralph Fiennes and Vanessa Redgrave may not have been on our stage, but the children once again proved that they can rise to the challenge, overcome the competing forces of nature – thunder and rain throughout one evening performance – to bring the words on the page, to the stage.