HUNDREDS of schoolchildren have performed at Salisbury Playhouse over the last 10 months as part of the Beginners Please project.

Children from 16 primary schools visited the theatre to watch a show, have a backstage tour and learn more about Salisbury Playhouse. They enjoyed creative workshops too, which helped them devise their own productions.

Over the summer term they rehearsed at the Playhouse before performing their productions for families, friends and teachers in The Salberg.

The varied plays included stories about the Romans, Greeks and suffragettes, a new version of The Lion King, a production inspired by Magna Carta and a play combining Alice in Wonderland with Macbeth. The performances involved singing, dancing and acting and included colourful sets and costumes.

Beginners Please has been running for nine years and this year 630 children aged four to 11 have taken part. The scheme aims to introduce children to the magic of theatre and experience the excitement of performing their own show in a professional environment.

Schools interested in being involved in next year’s Beginners Please project should call the Take Part team at Salisbury Playhouse for details on 01722 345165.