CHILDREN from a Pendle school will tread the boards of one of the most prestigious theatres in the UK.

Barrowford Primary School is celebrating after being selected as one of 12 schools to perform in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Courtyard Theatre next month.

A total of 24 pupils, aged between five and seven-years-old, have been getting to grips with the character of Caesar from Shakespeare’s epic play Julius Caesar for the big day.

The year one and two pupils will present what they have learnt at a national event alongside actors and directors from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Barrwford appilied for the opportunity alongside dozens of schools across the country.

Katie O’Sullivan’s class will be taking centre stage. She said: “It was a major shock to find out that we were chosen to go to Stratford because we were in the running against high school students.

“We are so proud of all the children who are obviously over the moon.

‘“I qualified last June so I’m quite new to this and my knowledge of Shakespeare is only what I learned when I was studying, and I’d never read Julius Caesar.

“The stage we will be performing on looks amazing, we are all looking forward to it.”

In total 286 children from across England, inspired by the plays Winter’s Tale, As You Like It and Julius Caesar, will take part in the event.

Jacqui O’Hanlon, the RSC’s Director of Education, said: “The Regional Schools Celebration really brings our Stand up for Shakespeare manifesto to life with our youngest performers, aged five, proving there is no age limit to enjoying Shakespeare.

“Each school is bringing with them the stories of how their local communities have been inspired by Shakespeare.”

The performance will take place on Monday, July 5.