Pupils from Our Lady & St Thomas Catholic Primary School in Willington, County Durham recently showcased their talent and confidence in a fantastic performance of The Tempest at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

Our budding actors delivered a brilliant performance, demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork and creativity on stage. The production was a proud moment for the school community, with pupils rising to the challenge of performing in a professional theatre setting and bringing Shakespeare’s work to life.

A Proud Part of the RSC Associate Schools Programme

Since 2009, schools across County Durham have been involved in the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Associate Schools Programme. This initiative aims to give young people the opportunity to engage deeply with Shakespeare’s plays, helping them develop confidence, communication skills and a love for literature.

By taking part in this programme, Our Lady & St Thomas Catholic Primary School continues to offer pupils valuable cultural experiences that support both academic learning and personal development.

Celebrating Confidence and Creativity

Performing The Tempest allowed pupils to:

  • Build confidence in speaking and performing
  • Work collaboratively as part of a team
  • Explore classic literature in an engaging, hands-on way
  • Experience performing in a real theatre environment

The success of the performance highlights the dedication of both pupils and staff, as well as the school’s commitment to providing enriching learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

A Memorable Experience for All

The performance at Bishop Auckland Town Hall will be a lasting memory for everyone involved. Opportunities like this help children grow in confidence and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their education.

Well done to all of our talented pupils – a truly impressive achievement!