BARNOLDSWICK schoolchildren have a better understanding of Shakespeare after taking part in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School took part in the Shakespeare Coram Festival, working alongside the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation. Pupils took part in workshops and a performance of the play at South Craven School.

Carmen Hargreaves, St Joseph's deputy headteacher, said: "By bringing Shakespeare to life, our pupils developed their understanding of ambitious texts and grew in confidence as they exceeded all their expectations.

"The children did not only succeed at performance level, they also had the opportunity to work alongside a local artist to design and create their own props and costumes. Other pupils had the opportunity to create their own sound effects for the play and alongside technicians they were able to control the music and lighting on the night."

Following weeks of hard work by both staff and children, the school joined forces with another school to present their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream to a sell-out audience at South Craven School.

Ms Hargreaves said: "Performing in this professional theatre provided the children with a real sense of achievement and it was enjoyed by staff, pupils, families and governors.

"St Joseph’s would like to thank Ally and Rowena at Coram Shakespeare, Naseem Darbey at Keighley Creative and Hannah Bridge at South Craven School, along with all the volunteers who helped on the day. Without their amazing support, this special opportunity for our pupils would not have been possible."