ALL the world's a stage and today young Shakespearean actors will tread the boards in the country's most famous theatre.

Young thespians at SS Osmund and Andrew's RC in Breightmet will following in the footsteps of Sir Ian McKellen and other world renowned actors when they perform in the RSC Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The youngsters are appearing as part of the RSC's Dream Playmaking Festival for schools.

The festival, which has been taking place for the past two weeks, is to celebrate Shakespeare’s life and work in the year that marks the 400th anniversary of his death.

And Years Five and Six at SS Osmund and Andrew's will perform in front of a live audience at The Other Place, the RSC's iconic studio theatre with 33 youngsters bringing a little magic and mischief to the town as they bring alive scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Beginning with a group of fairies meeting by chance in a glade, their performance will include song, dance and live music as pupils enact their interpretation of the dispute between Oberon and Titania.

As well as the performance, the group will take part in a number of workshops and masterclasses led by actors and backstage staff from the RSC.

Jacky Devine, teacher at the school, said: "Our young people relish the opportunity to work with RSC practitioners and explore Shakespeare using the same rehearsal room approaches as actors do.

"For the past few years, we have made it our mission to bring our Year Six pupils to Stratford-upon- Avon to participate actively in RSC workshops or see Shakespeare live at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

"The impact this has on our young people is immense and enriches their own connection with Shakespeare."

McGinlay Parkinson, aged 11, said: "I was speechless when I got the part of Puck. I feel pure joy."

Oscar Hilton, aged 10, said: "We are making history as the first people to act on the new stage in front of a paying audience."

Keanu Bond, aged 11, said: "This is a chance in a lifetime. What I have enjoyed most is getting to know kids from the playground that I don't usually hang around with."

Henrietta Abiodun, aged 11, said: "I'm so proud of myself.

"If I can play Titania on an RSC stage then I can go on to high school in September with my head held high."