Two of Stretford Grammar School’s talented Year 9 students, Lucy and Malsawm, recently took centre stage at the prestigious English-Speaking Union’s (ESU) annual Performing Shakespeare Competition. Demonstrating exceptional theatrical talent and public speaking skills, both students successfully navigated the intense early rounds to reach the North West regional final, hosted at the historic Bolton School.

The school community is incredibly proud of Lucy and Malsawm for progressing so far in a highly competitive national tournament that attracts hundreds of young performers from across the country.

The Challenge of the Bard: What is Involved?

The ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition is a unique event designed to develop Key Stage 3 students' oracy, confidence, and dramatic expression using classical text. Unlike traditional acting auditions, the competition demands a rigorous balance of public speaking and performance.

The format sets a strict five-minute limit for each student, divided into two key components:

• The Oracy Component (2 minutes): An independent introduction written and delivered by the student. They must explain their chosen monologue, analyse the character's motivations, discuss the relevant historical context, and detail their personal artistic interpretation.
• The Performance Component (3 minutes): A memorised monologue from one of Shakespeare’s 37 plays. Crucially, students are not allowed to use costumes, music, or props—save for a single chair—meaning they must captivate the judges entirely through their vocal range, physical presence, and emotional ownership of the text.

An Improbable Accolade from the ESU

While Lucy and Malsawm were not selected to advance to the national grand final this round, their standard of work was so exceptionally high that it caught the special attention of the ESU panel.

The judges were so thoroughly impressed by the depth, maturity, and insight of the girls' introductory oracy scripts that the English-Speaking Union has officially requested permission to use them as exemplary benchmarks. Going forward, Lucy and Malsawm’s writing will be featured by the ESU as national examples to inspire and guide future student competitors across England and Wales.

Praise from the English Department

The students were accompanied to Bolton School by Stretford Grammar English teachers Dr Quipp and Mrs Baker, who were full of praise for the duo's achievement.

Dr Quipp commended their work ethic, stating:

To stand on a stage and deliver Shakespeare with such nuance is a massive feat for any actor, let alone Year 9 students. The way Lucy and Malsawm dissected the language in their introductions showed university-level analysis. Seeing their scripts requested by the ESU as national exemplars is a testament to their incredible insight.

Mrs Baker added:

"We are absolutely thrilled for both of them. Performing without the safety net of costumes or scenery requires immense courage and poise. While they didn’t take home the trophy this time, leaving the regional final with the ESU actively asking to use their work as the gold standard for future contestants is an enormous win."

Congratulations to Lucy and Malsawm on an unforgettable achievement—you have represented Stretford Grammar School with brilliant creativity and articulacy!