A pupil at a Hitchin secondary school has reached the national final of a Performing Shakespeare competition organised by the English-Speaking Union.

Eli, a Year 8 pupil at Hitchin Boys' School, was the only one of 12 competitors to advance from the regional finals, held at Sandy Secondary School.

He delivered Jaques' 'All the world's a stage' monologue from Act 2, Scene 7 of As You Like It, and now has the opportunity to perform in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe in London.

Alongside his fellow Year 8 pupils Elliot and Jack, who also made it through to the regional finals, Eli was treated to a one-hour professional acting workshop.

The Comet: From L to R: Elliot, Jack and Eli with Mrs Claire Gale, head of creative arts at Hitchin Boys' SchoolFrom L to R: Elliot, Jack and Eli with Mrs Claire Gale, head of creative arts at Hitchin Boys' School (Image: Hitchin Boys' School)

Mrs Claire Gale, who is head of creative arts at the school and runs weekly 'Performing Shakespeare' lunchtime classes, said: "The regional final was a wonderful experience held at Sandy Secondary School, which really showcased some of the exceptional theatrical talent that we have in our region.


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"We're thrilled that Eli has been afforded the opportunity to perform his monologue at the national final next month on the Sam Wanamaker stage at the Globe Theatre.

"This will be an unforgettable experience for him that I know he will always treasure."