News18th February 2014
A cast of accomplished young actors from in White City entertained at Downing Street last week, performing scenes from William Shakespeare鈥檚 Much Ado 黑料情报站 Nothing.
The talented students, who were watched by , were invited to Number 11 as part of ongoing celebrations marking the playwright鈥檚 450th birthday.
The reception was attended by Education Secretary Michael Gove, Elizabeth Truss MP, television executive Alan Yentob and actor Simon Russell Beale, among others.
Burlington Danes student Ezra Gill, 15, said: 鈥淚t has been a privilege to act at such prestigious venues for such important people. I鈥檓 looking forward to our next Shakespeare production.鈥
The ensemble took to the stage fourth in a line-up of representatives from five schools closely associated with the event organisers, the Shakespeare Schools Festival.
The charity was established 13 years ago and works with over 40,000 youngsters nationwide. Offering schoolchildren the opportunity to perform Shakespeare in professional theatres, it hopes to improve literacy across the UK.
Chief Executive Penelope Middelboe said: 鈥淲e want to help turn around the lives of 50,000 young people each and every year from 2015, and give them a voice in their community. It鈥檚 a pleasure to be at Downing Street with guests who can help us achieve this vision.鈥
The Burlington Danes adaptation of the famous comedy was first seen at the Shaw Theatre in King鈥檚 Cross in November. Last night鈥檚 was the final rendition in what has been a very successful run for .
Head of Performing Arts Teddy Prout said: 鈥淚t is wonderful that we have been given the opportunity to showcase the incredible talents of our students in front of a distinguished audience.
鈥淥ur young actors show again and again how professional they are and how our involvement in the Shakespeare Schools Festival is such a valuable experience for them.鈥