YOUNG people from Bradford are joining the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the Alhambra this week.

The youngsters, aged 13-19, all attend schools in the RSC’s Associate Schools programme, a partnership with regional theatres, and are sharing roles in the Chorus. They are from Bradford College, St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College and Feversham College.

Director Erica Whyman said: “We were bowled over by the impact our tour of A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation had on young people who took part. I wanted to build on that with Romeo and Juliet, opening up a dialogue with young people in schools.

Bally Gill, whose mum is from Bradford, plays Romeo in the RSC production. He said: “Coming to Bradford has brought back childhood memories. I used to visit my grandparents here. My family didn’t go to the theatre. The first time they saw a Shakespeare play was when they saw me perform with the RSC. I became interested in drama at school. I wasn't academic but teachers said I was good at it and I could make it a career."

Bradford Theatres general manager Adam Renton said: "The talent of local young people is astounding, this project is a wonderful platform to show it off.”

The Associate Schools Programme is aimed at bringing about a significant change in the way young people experience, engage with and take ownership of the work of Shakespeare. Through the programme teachers learn to explore Shakespeare with their students in the way actors do in a rehearsal room; using dynamic, active approaches.

Damien O’Keeffe, who leads the programme at Bradford College, said: “The relationship we have built up with the RSC over the last two years has provided some fantastic opportunities for young people in Bradford schools. These include the chance to perform at a schools festival in Stratford upon Avon and to take part in the recent First Encounters: Comedy of Errors production at the College.

"To get chance to join the company of Romeo and Juliet on the main stage of the Alhambra is amazing. We are proud of our young performers and there's a real buzz around this project. We are looking forward to them showcasing their talents.”

* Romeo and Juliet runs at the Alhambra until Saturday.