Supporters and Endorsements
Dr Philip Lee MP
Philip Lee was elected Conservative MP for Bracknell in the 2010 election. He is a qualified GP and a member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee, and the Administration Committee.
“It is exciting to see a charity working to raise aspiration and give young people a ‘can do’ attitude in a way that also benefits their academic studies and increases their knowledge of this country’s cultural heritage. I am so pleased that schools in my constituency recognise this and take part every year in the Shakespeare Schools Festival, and I encourage every teacher and headteacher to take a look at this innovative project. Although the performance is one night only, the skills gained can last these young people a lifetime.”
www.phillip-lee.com
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Andrew Gwynne MP
Andrew Gwynne has been the Labour MP for Denton and Reddish since 2005. His interests include education and skills, regeneration, local government and the environment.
“In these difficult times it’s so important that we look for ways to give our young people the communication skills, aspiration and confidence they will need as they grow older. The Shakespeare Schools Festival has an exciting way of doing all these things; the imagination and passion which the young people experience and convey on stage is very important, but I think that the skills and understanding they have gained through taking part will benefit their learning and open many more doors for them in the future. I sincerely congratulate the charity, and the teachers and young people from Denton and Reddish on their hard work and achievement.”
www.andrewgwynne.co.uk
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Alan Meale MP
Alan Meale has been MP for Mansfield for the Labour Party since 1987. He has been a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee and an Adviser to the Minister of State for Sport.
"The Shakespeare Schools Festival brings out young people's talents whilst developing the necessary skills they will need later, in adult life."
www.alanmeale.co.uk
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John Leech MP
John Leech has been Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington since 2005. He is an amateur dramatics enthusiast and has run several very successful campaigns on behalf of his constituency.
“It was fantastic to watch students from Manchester Withington take on the challenge of the Shakespeare Schools Festival with such enthusiasm and imagination. I warmly congratulate them and their teachers for their hard work. I’ve always enjoyed drama and performance myself, but this is so much more than that. The Shakespeare Schools Festival provides a unique yet accessible opportunity for young people and teachers alike to learn more about this fantastic literature, gain in confidence and articulacy and achieve in ways they would not have previously envisaged.”
www.john-leech.co.uk
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Heidi Alexander MP
Heidi Alexander was elected MP for Lewisham East in May 2010. She is a member of the Regulatory Reform and Communities and Local Government Select Committees.
“It was wonderful to see young people from schools in Lewisham take to the stage of a professional theatre with such confidence and presence. The performances were hugely enjoyable but I was also struck by how much the students had learned by working with the Shakespeare Schools Festival over the preceding months. I am convinced that the knowledge, communication and teamwork skills that they have gained will benefit them in school and later in the workplace – and I think this charity is a hugely exciting vehicle for empowering young people and helping them to aim higher.”
www.heidialexander.org.uk
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Gisela Stuart MP
Gisela Stuart has been MP for Birmingham Edgbaston since 1997. Her special interests include pensions and international relations.
“I am proud to announce that local schools will be taking part in this fantastic opportunity to perform in professional theatres. I have witnessed the amazing performing talents of students at our schools. The Shakespeare Schools Festival is an innovative charity.”
www.giselastuartmp.co.uk/local-schools-perform-at-shakespeare-schools-festival
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Nicola Blackwood MP
Nicola Blackwood is the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon
“I warmly congratulate Oxford West and Abingdon schools on their participation in the 2010 Festival. As well as the thrill of producing excellent performances I am sure that this experience will benefit the young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in life for years to come. The Shakespeare Schools Festival is an exciting arts education charity and I am proud to be a supporter.”
www.nicolablackwood.com
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If you have seen us in action and want to endorse our work, please contact:
Eibhlish Fleming
020 7601 1814
eibhlish.fleming@ssf.uk.com
