It was a question of ‘Wherefore art thou, Sir?’ when a teacher from a WNAT school took an unexpected turn on stage at the Minster during this year’s Robert Armin Festival.

Ashley Kirwan, Assistant Headteacher at Heacham Junior School, accompanied a group of Year 6 children at the annual celebration of Shakespeare's Lynn-born comedy actor.

“We went to watch two Shakespeare plays – A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet – performed by 440 Theatre,” he explained. “Each play was a re-enactment of the story with funny twists and humour throughout.

“Pupils and teachers were even involved in the play. I myself had to ‘stab’ Juliet, as she couldn’t bring herself to do it when finding Romeo!”

It was the second time the school had visited the Festival, with 26 children taking part.

Mr Kirwan, who was joined by Teaching Assistant Charlotte Guest on the trip, continued: “The link to the historical local comedian for Shakespeare, Armin, means pupils have that connection to Shakespeare through the local area.”

He added: “The way that the plays are delivered as well, with 40-minute comedic adaptations, means they are more accessible for the pupils.

“The pupils really enjoyed the humour and funny twists in the plot. It’s a way into the world of Shakespeare plays they may not otherwise experience.”