Reading Rep Theatre presents Guildford Shakespeare Company and Orange Tree Theatre’s productions of Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

Reading Rep Theatre has announced that they have partnered with Guildford Shakespeare Company to present their upcoming schools tour, an adaptation of Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet to schools in the Berkshire area as part of the theatre’s ENGAGE:10 project.

The nine-week tour, co-produced with Orange Tree Theatre, comprises of especially adapted touring versions of Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. Performed by four actors, the tour will start at The British School in The Netherlands, for pupils and the public.

Upon its return, the tour will then visit some 40 schools across three regions, starting with a week in Berkshire, presented by Reading Rep Theatre. The schools in Berkshire that the tour will be visiting include The Wren School, Reading Girls School and The Holt School.

Kerrie Driscoll, Creative Learning Producer of Guildford Shakespeare Company said, “What an exciting year of growth for this project. When this started 6 years ago it was a 4-week project, it’s now 3 months across 4 different regions. Being able to reach so many schools and offer access to Shakespeare in a tangible and relatable way is life changing for these young people, especially at a time so pivotal in their GCSE studies.” 

Chris Cuming, Reading Rep Theatre’s Associate Director & Director of Engage said, “This year we celebrate ten years of Reading Rep Theatre’s award-winning education and outreach programme, ENGAGE. I couldn’t think of a better way to start our ENGAGE:10 celebrations than with a free professional performance touring schools in the Berkshire area. These abridged productions ensure school pupils receive high quality access to theatre within the education sector. I hope this is the start of an exciting relationship with the Guildford Shakespeare Company”. 

Reading Rep Theatre’s ENGAGE:10 project is a year long project celebrating ten years of their award-winning education and outreach programme. ENGAGE:10 will ramp up the theatre’s work in the community including their work in secondary schools, in which this tour plays a role.