SCHOOL children from York will take part in a Shakespearean spectacular next month.

York Theatre Royal, the Royal Shakespeare Company and pupils from seven local schools will perform The Head that Wears a Crown on Monday, March 16.

The show is a re-imagining of Shakespeare's Henry IV parts one and two and Henry V, and is the culmination of a three-year project to change the way children experience the Bard's work.

Pupils from Acomb Primary, Applefields School, Poppleton Road, St Barnabas CE, Westfield, Woodthorpe and York High School will take part in the event.

Julian Ollive, from York Theatre Royal, said: "York Theatre Royal is proud and privileged to be working alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and York High School in presenting The Head That Wears a Crown festival.

"We are excited to see the schools’ work on stage as this is the last performance in the auditorium before a major capital re-development project. There doesn’t seem to be a more fitting tribute to the creative talents of our young people than that."

The show includes eight specially-created scenes telling the stories of the plays, each school performing under the direction of their own teachers.

Brenda Elliott from St Barnabas CE Primary said: "We have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of working on the Learning and Performance Network. We have learnt many new techniques which we have used in the classroom and it has been a joy to work with experts and to have a final performance to aim for in March."

Cathryn Jackson at Acomb Primary commented: "After taking part in the Learning and Performance Network project I now feel that I won’t be so intimidated with our Head that Wears a Crown festival, having lived through the process already. I have a better understanding of how to plan an ensemble piece and more confidence in what 10-year-old children are able to achieve with the right stimulus, motivation and enthusiasm."

The show is on Monday, March 16, at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for children with a £1 transaction fee per booking, and are on sale now at the York Theatre Royal Box Office, on 01904 623568, or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk