Shakespeare for Children

Saturday, 10th February

Thought I'd better start my blog again,to try to put the events of the last three weeks behind me. Went back to choir practice on Thursday night and hope to take up my place again on Sunday. Was up at Chris's for lunch on Sunday and enjoyed her soup very much. Haven't eaten much lately, with the result that I've lost a bit of weight- which is quite a good thing - so that started me off again. Hadn't even eaten chocolate, but had a piece of Turkish Delight last night when I was at the Brunton theatre.Sandra asked me if I would like to go to see "Shakespear for Schools" (spelling as in original) so of course I said I'd like that very much and I certainly did! There were three schools doing shortened versions of plays-each was about threequarter's an hour long- and all the performances were excellent!
First was Preston Lodge doing "Macbeth". The setting was in an office and the power struggle and back stabbing of Macbeth was vividly demonstrated by the pupils. The witches were portrayed as bitchy manipulators- just as Shakespeare intended -and the pupils never faltered, catching the treachery murder and superstition perfectly -I"d better watch - I sound like a theatre critic!
Next was Bonnyrigg primary school and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which was fantastic! The bairns were so natural, and Shakespeare's language tripped off their tongues as if it was their local twang. The fairies tumbled and somersaulted, the lovers looked suitably distraught, Bottom and co were hilarious and everyone, including the audience, seemed to have so much fun!
Last, but by no means least was Dunbar Grammar, whose senior pupils did "Much Ado About Nothing".The acting again here was excellent, bringing out all the twists and turns of the play through their voices, glances and expressions. This play too was greatly appreciated by the large audience. What a talent in all those schools. I suppose there is lots of talent hidden away everywhere in East Lothian. Hope there will be more of the same in the future.