SCHOOLS from across south east London are performing Shakespeare at Greenwich Theatre this week.

Nationwide, more than 25,000 children from 1,000 primary, secondary and special schools are taking part in the Shakespeare Schools festival, performing 30 shows at professional theatres.

Greenwich Theatre is hosting 24 school shows until Saturday (November 9).

One of the plays features St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School pupil Miles, who studied for his role as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by seeing the play at The Globe theatre and writing to the actor who took on the role, Pearce Quigley, who has now agreed to come and see Miles’ interpretation of the role.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival is now in its13th year. Festival patron and renowned playwright Sir Tom Stoppard said: “Had I encountered something like Shakespeare Schools Festival, I believe my life at age fourteen would have bounced forward over some of the inhibitions and incomprehensions of adolescence. Childhood deserves such luck.”

For tickets, call the Greenwich Theatre box office on 020 8858 7755 or for more about the festival and theatres taking part, go to ssf.uk.com/taking-part.