Success for Lewisham Theatre Project

Posted: 22nd October 2025

We would like to thank Beckenham Theatre Trust for their contribution towards our Lewisham Theatre Project in 2024/2025.

At the time of writing the application we anticipated 150 children and 5 teachers taking part, but in fact we had an additional class join so we ended up working with:

• 180 children and their families
• 6 teachers

The project was an immense success. All 180 children worked with theatre directors to create their own devised scenes from Hamlet. These scenes were then put together to
create a complete retelling of the story with all children performing at Theatre Peckham.

Not only was the final performance a resounding success but the work the children did at school demonstrated their understanding of Hamlet and its complex themes. Below is an
example from a Year 3 child (aged 7 years old), writing a diary entry in role as Hamlet:

Dear Diary,
You will never believe what has become of mother! In the blink of an eye it was father’s funeral filled with emotion all around. Then, as soon as the funeral ended a disgusting wedding began.
As things were at their saddest, Horatio rushed towards me hardly out of breath. He told me a wild story that couldn’t of been true but Horatio was determined to prove it to me so I followed
him. We walked for what seemed like forever until we came to a halt in a cold alley. I was about to turn back as assume this was a trick when a cloud of fog thickened around us. Okay, you
probably think I’m starting to make it up now but I swear on my father’s dead body it’s true…

Now let’s continue… Where was I? Let’s see… Aha!

The air grew cold. A pale white finger beckoned me to follow. “Don’t go.” But I was too far in the depths of my mind I followed on leaving Horatio in the fog…
We also had parents give their feedback on the positive impact the project had beyond the
school gates!

“Thank you for Friday’s spectacular Hamlet performance. It has been so wonderful to see how, with your guidance and support, Shakespeare had been brought to life and captured the imagination of a class of eight year olds! Every play date we’ve had over the last month or so has had discussions on Ophelia, hellebores and ghosts!”
Lewisham Parent, Hamlet Project 2025

Finally, feedback from our teacher evaluation also showed the positive impact the project had on children and teachers:
• 100% of teachers said they’d do the project again
• 100% of teachers said the project had a positive impact on the children in their class

“Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring project. The children have loved taking part and learning about Hamlet (and I’m amazed by how many of them can now understand and quote parts of the play verbatim.) It has been an amazing stimuli for our writing and has made everyone (myself included) feel more confident about public speaking and how to use our bodies for effect.
All your staff, from those who trained us, to Temujin who has been with us every week have been fantastic. You are a hugely valuable resource for schools and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to take part”.
Y4 Class Teacher, Lewisham, Hamlet Theatre Project 2025

So, with many thanks from us all at The Primary Shakespeare Company. It is not only the financial contribution that we value but also that you share our vision and the importance of
making the arts-and Shakespeare- accessible to all, regardless of their background or starting points. We very much hope to share our work with you again in future.

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