He is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the world but youngsters are increasingly put off studying his work.Now the Royal Shakespeare Company is helping break down the stuffy and complicated image for Norfolk pupils.

He is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the world but youngsters are increasingly put off studying his work.

Now the Royal Shakespeare Company is helping break down the stuffy and complicated image for Norfolk pupils.

A series of workshops held at Northgate High School in Dereham has seen seven schools from across the county take part in a series of activities in preparation for a performance of their own take on one of Shakespeare's plays.

Chris White, a director for the RSC and host of the workshops, said: “We're trying to remove that comprehension feel to studying the texts.

“The plays shouldn't all be about the words. It's about the emotions and themes running through too. Hopefully this will help gauge pupils' interest more.”

Emma Smith, 12, a pupil at Northgate, said: “It's been really enjoyable. It's quite exciting to be involved. It's the first time I feel I really know the play.

“It's a lot of fun and I'd like to do it again. I'm looking forward to showing all our hard work.”

tPupils from Northgate High School, Litcham High School, Scarning Primary School, Thomas Bullock school, Swanton Morley Primary School, Fred Nicholson school and North Elmham Primary School, will all perform a 20 minute version of a Shakespeare play on April 16.