Year Eight Pupils Progress to ESU Shakespeare Regional Finals

Year Eight pupils Monae Van Vliet and Lucy Wheeler have progressed to the regional finals of the English Speaking Union Shakespeare Recitation Competition, following impressive performances at the regional heats held at King’s School, Gloucester.

The competition requires pupils to perform a speech from a Shakespeare play, alongside a short explanation and interpretation of their chosen passage. This year’s heats were highly competitive, with schools from across the West Midlands and South Wales taking part.

The presence of returning national finalists from 2025 added further challenge, but Monae and Lucy rose to the occasion with two of the standout performances of the evening. Lucy delivered a compelling portrayal of Lady Anne from Richard III, while Monae performed as Juliet, capturing the character’s fear and vulnerability with great sensitivity.

Success in the next round would see Monae and Lucy progress to the national finals, due to be held in London at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre in June.

Head of English, Mr Phillips, praised their achievements: “Monae and Lucy have become very skilful performers of Shakespeare and amazed the audience and judges with their intense and dramatic performances. They both showed how well they understand the scenes they performed and how they have entered into the minds and emotions of their characters. The ESU Shakespeare competition is a wonderful event; it is a privilege to see young people come together to enjoy Shakespeare like this.”