Head's Newsletter 13 May 2022

ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION PERFORMING SHAKESESPERE COMPETITION

For the first time, Tiffin entered the ESU's Performing Shakespeare competition. The aim of the competition is for KS3 pupils to perform extracts from Shakespeare, with an introduction as to why they chose the piece. Naturally, nerves were high as we weren't quite sure exactly how this would work. Luckily, we were presented with a gift, in the form of Sam Goldsmith 9MRL. Having glided through the in - school selection process, members of the 6 th Form worked with Sam to refine the delivery of his speech. His introduction, which he wrote himself, was filled with superb contextual knowledge and great humour. He performed this speech at the ESU's Dartmouth House, in the very room Churchill once spoke, competing against 8 other West London schools all equally prepared and with a determination to win.

Sam and his certificate

Of course, Sam was nervous, but if you watched him you would never be able to tell. He delivered his introduction oozing with confidence and his recitation of Shylock's famous revenge speech in Merchant of Venice, was presented without so much as a stutter. After the judges took considerable time to deliberate, they crowned Sam the winner of the West London Regional Round, allowing him to move forward to the Grand Finals in June. They were amazed by how 'fun' his speech was. Something particularly difficult, when performing a text declaring solemn revenge on those who wronged him. He will be performing the same extract in the Nancy Knowles Lecture Theatre at the renowned Shakespeare's Globe on the 24 th June. He will also be able to participate in workshops by professional members of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We thank Sam for his diligent work and constant enthusiasm and look forward to seeing him continue to represent Tiffin at the Globe. Ibrahim Ejaz 13SJC/PP