07 Mar William Shakespaw to visit Essex schools during Shakespeare Week
William Shakespaw will be donning his best red ruff when he visits Hillhouse C of E Primary School, Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, Essex, as part of Shakespeare Week (18-24 March).
The newest patron of Shakespeare Week will be joined by children’s author, illustrator and fellow patron Marcia Williams as she demonstrates cartoon drawing techniques to pupils.
The event is one of a number that are taking place in primary schools across the UK as part of the sixth annual national celebration of the world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Week is run by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the independent charity that promotes the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times. It is free for primary school children and their families to take part in.
William is a two-year-old flat coated golden retriever who was ‘adopted’ by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 2016. He is currently in training to become a therapy dog, and with the help of his owner Suzanne Beechey, he will tell pupils the story of his own life and that of his play-writing namesake, William Shakespeare.
Sally Gray, Shakespeare Week education officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said, “Shakespeare Week is all about fun first experiences of Shakespeare for primary school children. What better way for children to engage with Shakespeare than through an interaction with our furry Patron! As well as being our newest Shakespeare Week patron, William has also become a mascot, having provided the inspiration for Marcia Williams’ series of cartoon drawings, all featuring a Shakespeare quote, which are among the resources available to pupils and teachers throughout this year’s activities.”
William and his owner will also visit other schools around the Essex area throughout Shakespeare Week, as well as making guest appearances in Stratford-upon-Avon in our Shakespeare Week teepee in the Great Garden at Shakespeare’s New Place and at Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Friday 22 March.
