Solihull School
.jpg)
Solihull School hosted its second Shakespeare Festival on Saturday 14 March, welcoming leading academics, performers and students from over 20 schools nationwide for a day celebrating the enduring works of William Shakespeare.
The festival brought together distinguished speakers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, alongside the Shakespeare Institute. Highlights included an address from Professor Michael Dobson, Director of the Shakespeare Institute, exploring the modern relevance of Shakespearean tragedy, including performances of Hamlet in contemporary Ukraine.
The programme also featured talks by leading scholars including Dr Sophie Duncan of Magdalen College, Oxford, Professor Simon Palfrey of Brasenose College, Oxford, Dr Sophie Read of Christ’s College, Cambridge, Professor Tiffany Stern of the Shakespeare Institute and Professor Emma Smith of Hertford College, Oxford. Theatre Director and Old Silhillian, Richard Digby Day, hosted a drama workshop focussed on Shakespeare speeches for Solihull Performing Arts students.
Solihull School Headmaster Charles Fillingham said: “Hosting our second Shakespeare Festival during our 465th anniversary year makes this event particularly special. It is inspiring for our students and youngsters from other schools to engage with leading scholars and performers who continue to bring fresh insight to Shakespeare’s timeless plays.”
Mr Fillingham added: “We are now looking forward our National Festival of Languages in June 2027, which is a collaboration project for schools, universities, government agencies and embassies to support and encourage participation in language learning at secondary school level, post-16 and post-18.”
Dr Hart, Head of English at, added: “Our Shakespeare Festival gives students the opportunity to encounter Shakespeare beyond the classroom. Hearing world-leading academics share their ideas - and then visiting theatres to the plays performed live - deepens students’ appreciation of the richness and relevance of his work. Thank you to all involved in this wonderful Shakespearean celebration!”
The festival concluded with an evening performance of Much Ado About Nothing, introduced by theatre director Richard Digby Day and performed by the Oxford’s Jesus College Shakespeare Project in the school chapel.
The school also welcomed the support of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, who served as the festival’s booksellers.