BRADFORD pupils have been given a crash course in Shakespeare and politics thanks to a top theatre company.

The Royal Shakespeare Company visited the Alhambra Theatre to perform Julius Caesar.

It was part of the company’s First Encounters touring show, which aims to introduce young people to Shakespeare by performing abridged productions of his plays.

Their performances, which started in the theatre’s Studio on Wednesday and run until today (Saturday, February 24), have been aided by pupils from Samuel Lister Academy, who played citizens of Rome.

The show is aimed at pupils aged between seven and 13, and five schools from across Bradford have been to see the performances.

The Samuel Lister pupils featured in the opening celebrations, welcoming the emperor on his return from war.

Adam Renton, general manager of Bradford Theatres, said: “We are delighted to welcome the RSC to Bradford again and give young people and their families the opportunity to take their first steps into Shakespeare. These engaging adaptations are an excellent introduction for young people to experience live theatre.”

Marieke Audsley, who directed the performance, said: “School is often the place where we first encounter Shakespeare. The RSC’s Education department is committed to making that experience as vivid, accessible and enjoyable as possible.

“Giving first-time audiences the chance to work on the play before seeing it live can make a huge difference.”

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Jacqui O’Hanlon, RSC Director of Education, said: “Shakespeare’s plays always shine a brilliant light on the world we live in today. Touring a production of Julius Caesar made for young people and first-time audiences feels particularly exciting because the play asks big questions about democracy, about the power of language, and about the rights and wrongs of any group of people taking power into their own hands by force.

"Listen to a group of 10-year-olds discussing the rights and wrongs of the assassination of Julius Caesar and you find out a lot more than just the story of the play.”