Your chance to honour Shakespeare

Arts North Norfolk, has launched a competition to honour Shakespeare day which is 23^rd April, which marks his birthday and day he died, 400 years on.

Budding writers and thespians are invited to sum up a Shakespeare play in just 400 characters. The character count must include all letters and punctuation.

Joseph Ballard, director of Arts North Norfolk said: “This is our way of being part of the international festivities that are celebrating Shakespeare’s work this year. Our competition is open all ages from primary school age to adults – I think it’s really important to involve young people in this project. I wanted to encourage people to sum up a play which in turn strips the plays back to the story. Theatre is about telling a story and Shakespeare did not write his plays just to be read in a classroom!”

Joseph, who has directed, acted in and also adapted some plays of Shakespeare is keen to welcome entries from enthusiasts and also those who may be knew to exploring Shakespeare’s work a bit further. It is thought that Shakespeare had written 38 plays in his lifetime, but without correct records or evidence, some of the plays may even be the work of somebody else. He is also encouraging schools and groups to take part, based on classroom activity.

Prizes include:
• Tickets to theatre shows and films at the Atrium Theatre (North Walsham) for the rest of the year.
• Tickets to see the Royal Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Nights Dream (on tour visiting Norwich).
• A meal for two at the Cockerel Restaurant (themed nights) in North Walsham.
• Shortlisted stories will be recorded and shared online and with the local media including radio.

Age categories:
Primary school age

High school age

Young people 17-25

Adults 25+

You can enter the competition online at www.artsnorthnorfolk.org or submit your short story to their box office at No. 1 Market Place, North Walsham NR28 9BP. It is free to enter and the deadline for entries is 27^th April and you can submit as many entries as you wish.

Joseph Ballard with his quill is urging entries to celebrate Shakespeare.