By Matt Scorer

14 students from Hope Valley College recently performed a 30-minute version of ‘As You Like It' at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, 

Head of Drama Alison Scorer said: "The students gave a superb performance and were a real credit to the College. They really enjoyed watching the other schools plays and took a lot from experiencing performing on a professional stage."

The students dedicated several hours both after school and at weekends to rehearsing to have the play ready in time.

The play is one of Shakespeare's comical works and is set in France, telling the story of two exiled lovers Orlando and Rosalind who become entangled in a game of love, lust and mistaken identity.

3 other schools from the Manchester area also performed versions of A Midsummer's Night Dream, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet respectively.

Mrs Scorer added: "The festival provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to not only perform on a professional stage, but also see how other people their age had interpreted Shakespeare and engage with his work. The students really enjoyed the day and behaved impeccably."

Principal Bernie Hunter said: "It is really important that students get experiences like this as it not only helps them with their academic studies but also allows them to learn in an applied way. They got to see how professional theatre works and will have gained a greater understanding of Shakespeare. I'd like to thank Mrs. Scorer for making the experience possible."