ENGLISH students at a Flintshire high school saw their study of Shakespeare's Macbeth brought to life in a performance by a visiting theatre group, complete with costumes and props.

Argoed High School's Year 10 GCSE Literature students were treated to an exciting and engaging show by four professional actors from 440 Theatre, a company created to provide live action Shakespeare that educates and entertains in just 40 minutes.

Members of the cast perform Shakespeares Macbeth in a 40 minute show.

Members of the cast perform Shakespeare's Macbeth in a 40 minute show.

By stripping the narrative to its core yet keeping the essence of Shakespeare's words alive, his magnificent Scottish play shone at the heart of the show.

The students watched, engrossed in the thrilling performance of this classic, tantalising tragedy which they are studying as part of their course.

Following the show, the students took part in an hour long workshop with the actors to help reinforce learning of the play.

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Natalie Wynne, curriculum leader, said: "440 delivered a fun-filled, high-energy performance that engaged the year group throughout. You couldn't hear a pin-drop throughout the performance and the workshop that followed was fun and engaging. The performance has planted the seed for the assessment piece students will be completing as part of their GCSE Literature course later on in the year."

Year 10 student, Manon Butler, said: "I didn't know much about the play as we haven't studied it fully, but after watching the performance and taking part in the workshop I am now able to recall the plot and the characteristics of the main characters. I feel much better prepared for Shakespeare having had it brought to life through the performance. I'm also now not as afraid of Shakespeare as I was!"

Members of the cast perform Shakespeares Macbeth in a 40 minute show.

Members of the cast perform Shakespeare's Macbeth in a 40 minute show.

Mrs Wynne added: "The school funded the performance from its PDG (Pupil Development Grant) allocated by WAG to support FSM and LAC learners to help close the attainment gap. Literacy is a key school priority, so it is important that we ensure all our Year 10 learners are able to attend interactive, thought provoking sessions like these.

"The interactive nature of the session was a real hit amongst students and the story and plot will be easily recalled for years to come."