It was a question of ‘Wherefore art thou, Sir?’ when a member of our staff took an unexpected turn on stage at the Minster during this year’s Robert Armin Festival.

Ashley Kirwan, Assistant Headteacher at Heacham Junior School, accompanied a group of our Year 6 children to the annual celebration of Shakespeare's Lynn-born comedy actor.

“We went to watch two Shakespeare plays – A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet – performed by 440 Theatre,” he explained. “Each play was a re-enactment of the story with funny twists and humour throughout.

“Pupils and teachers were even involved in the play. I myself had to ‘stab’ Juliet, as she couldn’t bring herself to do it when finding Romeo!”

It was the second time our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, had visited the Festival, with 26 children taking part.

Mr Kirwan, who was joined by Teaching Assistant Charlotte Guest on the trip, continued: “The link to the historical local comedian for Shakespeare, Armin, means pupils have that connection to Shakespeare through the local area.”

He added: “The way that the plays are delivered as well, with 40-minute comedic adaptations, means they are more accessible for the pupils.

“The pupils really enjoyed the humour and funny twists in the plot. It’s a way into the world of Shakespeare plays they may not otherwise experience.”