Each year, students from Macmillan and Archibald, alongside schools across the country, take part in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Schools Programme.
Through this inspiring initiative, young people collaborate to create powerful performances as part of the Playmaking Festivals, which are held in schools, regional theatres, and at the RSC’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon.
For our students, this is more than just a performance opportunity—this year, they brought to life Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a gripping tale of ambition, power, and fate. The story follows a Scottish General whose desire for the throne leads him down a dark and tragic path, exploring themes that still resonate deeply today.
Taking part in this project is a transformative experience. Students engage deeply with Shakespeare’s texts, exploring language, character, and meaning just as professional actors do. Working alongside their teachers and peers, they develop not only their understanding of literature but also vital skills such as teamwork, confidence, creativity, and communication.
This work is rooted in the artistic practice of the RSC. Students and teachers approach the plays as living texts—meant to be explored, questioned, and brought to life together. By participating, Macmillan students become part of a national community of young theatre-makers, discovering their voices and celebrating the power of performance.
