THIRTY young actors aged between 7 and 11 received rapturous applause after performing Macbeth on the big stage at the Hall for Cornwall.

The pupils from Truro Prep School were taking part in The Shakespeare Schools Festival, the largest youth drama festival in the UK, giving children the opportunity to experience life on the professional stage.

Following an array of witches’ spells and a series of action-packed sword fights, the extensive feedback from the Festival Venue Director was heartfelt and glowing.

Following their performance, Mrs Gregory, Drama and English Teacher at Truro Prep School, said: “The children impressed me so much. Their commitment to performance was 100% right from the start.”

“At every stage I was amazed at their understanding, their ability to make it sound so natural. Their love of performing and their willingness to adapt was exceptional.”

The seeds to the performance were planted back at the start of the new school year when rehearsals began in earnest and roles were designated.

Since late September the students have been rehearsing twice a week, with one lunchtime practice and one after-school rehearsal per week.

Mrs Gregory said: “We chose Macbeth because we felt that it would suit the children and capture their imagination with a number of energetic action scenes.”

Entrusted with the role of playing the main character (Macbeth) was Year 5 student Diggory Gill.

Diggory said: “I was really excited when Mrs. Gregory told me that I was going to be cast as Macbeth.”

“On the day, when we were getting ready in the dressing room I felt nervous, it was the only chance I was going to get. But once I stepped out on the stage I relaxed and it was really fun. It was really cool and the stage was huge. I feel a lot more confident with acting following the show.”

Scheduled to take place in the summer term, Truro Prep School’s next major production will be the Year 6’s annual performance in Truro School’s 200 capacity Burrell Theatre.

Mrs Gregory finished by saying: “We owe a big thank you to the parents who have helped to supply many of the costumes and the props. The children really brought the story of Macbeth to life and they have done the school proud.”