Six pupils from mid Norfolk schools spent two weeks of their summer holidays in Stratford-upon Avon, working on a production of Midsummer Night's Dream with the Royal Shakespeare Company Youth Ensemble.

Six pupils from mid Norfolk schools spent two weeks of their summer holidays in Stratford-upon Avon, working on a production of Midsummer Night's Dream with the Royal Shakespeare Company Youth Ensemble.

And last week they performed in front of Prince Charles.

Leah, Gabbie, Tom, Liam, Emily and Jordan got their invitation after impressing a panel from the RSC during Northgate High School's Shakespeare Festival in April.

It had been a tremendous night, featuring 150 children ranging in age from eight to 15 performing with great creativity in front of their proud parents.

“We jumped for joy when we were chosen for the ensemble,” said Leah. “We were so excited. We rehearsed every day except Sunday. It was hard work but great fun. The Courtyard Theatre was amazing. It was huge. Performing on there was even better than amazing! When our families came to see us they were so proud and impressed.”

Life outside of the theatre was great too, as Gabbie explains. “Our chaperones, Giz, Sandra, Chris and Rachel were fun. They arranged lots for us to do, boat trip, tour bus and shopping. And we saw the professional RSC Companies three times - The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice and Midsummer Night's Dream, which was nearly as good as our one!”

Emily said: “I can't put it into words. The experience was so good.”

So then it was back to school with great memories of a spectacular summer. But there was one further surprise. Prince Charles was to pay a visit to Stratford on September 8 and among the events on the itinerary was a performance from the Youth Ensemble!

Tom and Liam from Fred Nicholson were bubbling: “We couldn't believe it when we got asked to go back. We did some of the scenes in front of Prince Charles. It was a brilliant experience and meeting the Prince was the opportunity of a lifetime.”