News

Our Year 13 A-level English students recently visited Shakespeare’s Globe to explore the historical context of Shakespeare’s plays and experience the world of theatre first-hand. Through interactive workshops, guided tours and collaborative activities, students deepened their understanding of Othello and reflected on how the experience enriched their learning, as shared in their accounts below.

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"Today, my A-level English class visited Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre. Although it was rebuilt in 1997, we discovered that it retains many of the architectural features of the original theatre, allowing visitors to experience Shakespearean performances in a historically authentic setting. I particularly enjoyed seeing the stage and the set for the play, as it felt as though we had been transported back in time. Experiencing the theatre in person deepened my appreciation of how the original performance space would have influenced Shakespeare’s audience and shaped their understanding of his plays.

The trip also brought together students from other sixth-form English classes, making the experience not only intellectually enriching but also an opportunity to develop teamwork and communication skills with people we had not met before. We participated in practical activities and exercises inspired by the work of theatre actors, exploring how actors seek to understand their characters more deeply and how directors can interpret Shakespeare’s intentions in different ways. We also considered how these interpretations can be reflected in the portrayal of particular scenes. These interpretations are carefully constructed through details as subtle as an actor’s tone of voice and delivery, as well as their positioning on stage.

Furthermore, we were assigned a knowledgeable guide who led us around the theatre and shared many fascinating facts. For example, we learnt that the theatre’s open roof was designed to replicate the structure of the original building, which was open to the elements because electricity was not available during Shakespeare’s time. We also discovered how the seating arrangements reflected the social status of the audience members.

Overall, the trip was both enlightening and enjoyable. It was not only educational but also engaging, making the entire experience more memorable. This opportunity brought Shakespeare’s work to life and strengthened my appreciation of drama as a literary form intended not only to be read but also to be performed and experienced by an audience."

- Hinas, Year 13

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"Our study trip to Shakespeare’s Globe was a remarkable experience that allowed us to explore the world of Othello. Standing inside the reconstruction of this historic theatre immediately brought the historical context of the play to life and gave us a physical sense of how the space would have shaped performances.

The interactive workshops helped us understand the subtle differences between performance styles and appreciate the various ways in which Shakespeare communicates meaning through his characters’ dialogue and body language. We also learnt how to convey different levels of power and subordination through physical movement, using our bodies as instruments of communication. This provided us with valuable insight into the social and personal tensions that lie at the heart of the play.

We were also able to collaborate with students from other schools, allowing us to share ideas, debate different interpretations, challenge our own assumptions, and develop a much deeper understanding of the text. The visit has deepened our understanding of Othello and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our future studies. Overall, the experience enriched our understanding of the play and brought Othello off the page, helping us appreciate how its meaning can be communicated through live performance."

- Syed, Year 13