Dame Bradbury’s Year 5 children were rewarded with a standing ovation after their performance of an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Mumford Theatre in Cambridge last week.

The group of 32 nine and ten year olds were taking part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival and, although they were one of the youngest of the 1,000 UK school groups participating, they rose to the occasion to give their best performance yet.

Creative director of the festival, Dominic Fitch, complimented the children on their understanding of the play, their clever acting and staging and on the wonderful humour they displayed.

Year 5 teacher and director of the play, Carey Dickinson said it was a memorable occasion for the pupils, parents and staff, adding: “There is no doubt that the children benefited enormously from performing in a professional theatre alongside other budding actors.

“I am so proud of what they achieved – it was a great experience for us all.”