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Box office  020 8940 3633

Box office020 8940 3633

Primary Shakespeare

Primary Shakespeare 2026

The Comedy of Errors

directed by Abigail Pickard Price

For over 40 years The Orange Tree Theatre’s Primary Shakespeare programme has introduced tens of thousands of young people to the magic of Shakespeare and live theatre.

We are delighted to announce The Comedy of Errors as our production for 2026.

What is Primary Shakespeare?

Designed for Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), Shakespeare’s brilliantly bonkers comedy is brought to life in a lively, interactive retelling.

Each class’s experience includes:

  1. Two-hour workshop in your school ahead of the show
    • Get to know the characters
    • Learn the story and explore key themes
    • Meet one of the actors
    • Get ready to be actively involved in the show!
  2. One-hour performance
    • Interactive production involving the whole audience
    • A fun, dynamic experience of Shakespeare
    • A memorable early trip to the theatre

In 2025:

  • 100% of teachers agreed this was an excellent theatre experience for their pupils
  • 100% agreed their pupils were able to access and enjoy Shakespeare’s story
  • 100% agreed the project helped develop their pupils’ creativity, confidence and cultural capital
“Never once was focus lost, and the class thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt in equal measure.”
Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
“The facilitator delivered the workshop with exceptional energy, insight, and clarity, making Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar feel both accessible and thrillingly relevant.”
William Hogarth School
“One of the best performances I have ever seen in my 20 years of teaching. I couldn't believe the engagement levels of all the children and teachers. They actually fully understood Shakespeare!”
Ivybridge Primary School

Booking is now open for this year!

Dates

Workshops run on selected days from W/C 18th May (excluding half term W/C 25th May).

Performances begin on selected days in W/C 1st June and finish on 3rd July, workshops also continue through this period

Booking

Email francesca.ellis@orangetreetheatre.co.uk with details about:

  • How many classes (for workshop numbers)
  • How many pupils (for theatre tickets)
  • Any dates or days of the week you cannot do between Monday 18th May and Friday 3rd July.

If you have any questions about the project, please also email Francesca.

OT Schools is supported by the Richmond Foundation and the Backstage Trust.

Hamlet (2024) production photo by Steve Gregson

Schools

Classes