Magdalen once again partnered with the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation (CSSF) in March of 2024 to bring Year 10 pupils from four East Midlands state schools to spend two unforgettable days at Magdalen.
The pupils spent months rehearsing abridged versions of Shakespeare plays at school, with Teacher Directors trained by CSSF. Their stay in Magdalen came at the end of the rehearsal period.
While at Magdalen, the students enjoyed various university- and drama-related activities. Each group heard a talk on their chosen play by Magdalen professor Dr Sophie Duncan. They printed their own bookplates to take home along with a gift of their own copy of their play. Sam Plumb (Magdalen alumnus and theatre facilitator) led a highly popular drama workshop. Undergraduate student helpers Amelia, Eve, Laura and Suzette also took each group on tours of the College and of the city.
My favourite part was the academic session with Dr Sophie Duncan as it was intriguing and fun
Farnborough Spencer Academy Participant
Students participated in professional tech and dress rehearsals in the Auditorium, complete with theatre-style lighting and sound effects. Many commented afterwards that the rehearsals were one of the highlights of the whole event. One student from Nottingham Free School said “[my favourite part was] probably rehearsing the play because we [were] able to work as a team”.
As the climax of their stay, each cast performed their half-hour play in the Magdalen Auditorium to an audience full of Magdalen staff, students and friends. Parents and guardians also travelled down from the East Midlands to cheer on the budding actors.
The performance night was a triumph, with one young cast member commenting that their favourite part of their stay at Magdalen was “the performance because we simply rocked it!”
It was unique and something I won’t forget
Outwood Academy Kirkby participant
The audience were also very positive about the performance night. One audience member fed back that the “students seemed happy and confident, helped by imaginatively adapted texts“. Another said “I commend all the organisers highly; they clearly enthused the students, who pleased the audience. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.”
We and our young people had a wonderful time. All of the Magdalen activities were high quality, fun and interesting. The academic staff were clearly passionate about their subjects and about the young people. Getting to access the Old Library and handle original Shakespeare volumes was mind-blowing! We felt very well supported by our Ambassador and it was really helpful having a guide with us at all times.
Teacher director, mayhem productions
The collaboration with the CSSF was initiated by the President’s husband, Peter Kessler. The event was jointly organised by the CSSF staff and the Magdalen College outreach team.
We’d like to say a special thank you to alumnus Steven Parker (1977) for supporting the event.
We look forward to hosting the Festival once again in 2025.
All photos taken and provided by Splaat Photo
