Shakespeare to be streamed into schools

One thousand schools are to benefit from The Royal Shakespeare Company streaming Richard II into the classroom. The show features David Tennant in the lead role and will form the first of three RSC Shakespeare plays to be filmed live during the next year as part of the ‘‘Live from Stratford-upon-Avon’’ programme, made in collaboration with Picturehouse Entertainment. The performance will be filmed on 13 November and screened live in 100 cinemas nationwide, as well as being available to view in North America, Australia, Japan and Northern Europe. On 15 November the production will be streamed direct into up to 1,000 schools for free, reaching an estimated 60,000 students through collaboration with Ravensbourne College and the Janet Network. It will be accompanied by a live studio link-up with members of the cast and creative team on-hand for a live Q&A with students. Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, said he wanted to bring the work made in Stratford-upon-Avon to the widest possible audience. “Taking our productions live into cinemas and direct into schools is the next logical step. We will start with Richard II.”