Romeo & Juliet at the merchant adventurers hall

Since January 2024, Four Wheel Drive has been delivering an abridged version of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet to KS2 students visiting the Merchant Adventurers Hall. The Medieval Hall’s Education Trust offers local schools a chance to bring students to experience the heritage and history within its walls.

Four Wheel Drive has developed an interactive performance covering the key plot details, characters, and Tudor context in line with the student’s studies. The performance is led by two actor-practitioners, Tempest Wisdom and Esther Irving, who invite students to take on the missing roles within Shakespeare’s troupe.

“The production was pitched perfectly for the age range and within a few minutes all the children were captivated. The children engaged with the performers throughout the play.”

Rebecca Francis, Education and Charity Executive

The inclusive, fun performance offers a fantastic first introduction to Shakespeare for young participants.

“The goal was to immerse young people in their learning through this classic text. We wanted them become active participants within the storytelling experience. Ultimately, this is a low barrier to entry for Shakespeare which remains a core part of the English Curriculum.”

Anna Gallon, Artistic Director

The team look forward to future sessions planned at the Merchant Adventurers Hall, engaging with more schools and students across York.