Primary pupils get Shakespearian surprise

Lucy Ellinson, who is currently playing Puck in the RSC’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, bounced into morning assembly at Baines Endowed Primary in Marton to tell the youngsters all about the play.

The visit came about thanks to teacher Huw Rose who also has a starring role in the touring production.

He is one of six amateur actors from Poulton Drama who have been lucky enough to perform alongside their professional counterparts in this week’s run as part of the Play for the Nation initiative.

Lucy’s character, Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a clever, mischievous elf.

And she was keen to show off the traits of the famous character for a captive young audience.

Lucy said: “It was brilliant to visit Baines’ Endowed CE Primary Academy.

“The pupils were full of questions about our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on at the Blackpool Grand Theatre.

“I loved meeting the Baines’ Endowed pupils and telling them all about my character – the mischief maker Puck.

“The children already knew lots about Shakespeare and gave me lots of inspiration, sharing their ideas about magic, mischief and how to tell a good story.

“Thanks to everyone at the school but especially to my co-actor and their teacher Mr Rose.”

Headteacher Joanne Snape said: “A real treat for us today as Puck joined us in school.

“Lucy Ellinson from the Royal Shakespeare Company shared her love of stories and particularly Shakespeare and for just a few moments we all joined the RSC playing the part of the First Fairy to her Puck – what a magical experience for all.”

Huw, who along with his Poulton Drama colleagues steals the show as the group perform a ‘play within the play’, was delighted to see his two worlds collide.

He said; “What a great morning with Lucy.

“I just wanted to share with the children what a fantastic play A Midsummer Night’s Dream is and what better way than having Puck visit the school.

“Extraordinary!”