Adjoa Andoh and Paterson Joseph were just two of the all-star cast to perform in our Clapham Centre Theatre in May.

With an all-star cast featuring some of the UK’s finest stars of film and TV, the Royal Shakespeare Company brought William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar to Lambeth College this month. The company included Paterson Joseph as Brutus, Cyril Nri as Cassius, Ray Fearon as Mark Anthony, Jeffery Kissoon as Caesar, Adjoa Andoh as Portia and Samantha Lawson as Caesar’s Servant.

This was the RSC’s first live performance of the production and it was treated as the final full-length rehearsal before setting out on the road to Stratford-upon-Avon in June (and then onwards to London, Newcastle and Moscow). The cast performed the entire play in front of a mesmerised audience of invited guests. It was a unique experience for our students to watch real actors and directors treading the boards. After the performance, the entire cast stayed to answer questions from the students and pass on some of their insight and tips to achieving success in a hugely competitive business.

Director Gregory Doran and actors Paterson Joseph and Ray Fearon talk about Shakespear's political thriller during rehearsals.

Student Shaquille Taylor from our Performance - Acting - BTEC Level 3 Diploma, said: “I loved it! Seeing the work of Shakespeare performed by the best actors in the business makes you realise what a skilled art form classical acting is. I have wanted a career in acting ever since I got the chance to perform in Lambeth College’s production of Hamlet at the Young Vic last year. After this fantastic performance, I am more inspired than ever to be an on-stage success.”

Jade Standen from the Performance - Acting - BTEC Level 2 Diploma was inspired by the performance. She said: “It was a wonderful experience and we (the audience) were almost a part of the set. The actors were walking around us almost as if they were unaware of our presence. Being able to talk to them afterwards was even better. They were very open about the techniques they used to perform and gave us some great tips for combating nerves and remembering complex lines.”

Tutor Roy Lee was also overjoyed with the event. He added: “This was a unique opportunity and an honour for the College to play host to the most famous classical theatre company in the world. They performed brilliantly, talked frankly and honestly to the students and left us all inspired. This is exactly what our learners need!”

Julius Caesar from 28 May to 7 July at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Julius Caesar from 8 August to 15 September, Nöel Coward Theatre, London.

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Performing Arts at Lambeth College