Banquo – Mr Nice Guy? Banquo, I admit, is a character I have never considered in much detail – any notes, character profiles of him simply present him as loyal, sensible etc. He is Macbeth’s friend, Duncan’s supporter, a sort of all-round good guy who is horribly betrayed and murdered by his bezzie. Rarely is […]
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We asked some of our authors and experts to share their hints and tips for teaching Shakespeare. Here’s a round-up of the top five classroom activities and ideas: Start by admitting Shakespeare is ‘difficult’ and everyone is on unfamiliar ground with the language. Make it relevant – encourage discussions about Iagos in the playground and […]
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Recently I was asked to undertake some work with students who were studying Shakespeare for a Literature essay. I asked for a copy of the key scenes they were studying and was handed a wad of photocopies which took me straight back to my early teaching career in the 1990s. I’m all for retro, vintage, […]
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Romeo and Juliet was written during the 1590s and was first performed in 1597 in London. We know that Romeo and Juliet has an enduring appeal for audiences – as the title page of the play’s 1597 edition tells us, the play was, even then, a popular success “…it hath been often (with great applause) […]
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