DRAMATIC youngsters performed extracts from Shakespeare’s greatest works in front of proud friends and families today (Tuesday, March 17).

Children from nine schools across County Durham have been working alongside professionals from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to create trailers for plays including The Tempest, Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth.

Crook Primary School has been part of the RSC’s Learning and Performance Network since 2009 and this latest project, which coincides with Shakespeare Week, is aimed at encouraging more children to discover a love of the Bard.

At King James Academy in Bishop Auckland the children impressed audiences with their acting talents and understanding of Shakespeare.

Barbara Gentles, from Crook Primary School, said: “Shakespeare is often considered a boring topic at school and by teaching it from a young age we hope to foster a love of his work among children and their families too.

“The children absolutely love it. They found his language very powerful and unlike many adults it doesn’t scare them or put them off.”

Other schools taking part in the project are Hunwick Primary, St Cuthbert’s Primary in Crook, Sunnybrow Primary, Willington Primary, St Stephen’s Primary in Willington, Cockerton Primary in Darlington and Ox Close Primary in Spennymoor.