Children stepped back into Shakespeare's London in a lesson on bringing his plays to life.

Year 4 pupils from The Wroxham School, in Wroxham Gardens, Potters Bar, learnt about the tumultuous politics of the Elizabethan and Jacobean era.

They were told how to look into the language to bring life to speeches from plays such as The Tempest, Macbeth, Hamlet and Twelfth Night.

It was as part of a workshop held by former teacher Jerome Monahan.

Teacher Steve Davy said: “It was an extension of the work they have done on the Tudors. And through it the children found out a great deal about Shakespeare’s London.

“It would be easy to think his plays and language might be a bit intimidating for this age group, but if not made entertaining and engaging.”

The workshop began with a crash course in aspects of the Elizabethan age, including some of the iconography in the paintings of the Queen.

The eight and nine-year-old’s were also surprised to discover how Shakespeare’s status in England as one of the greatest playwrights did not come easily.

Eight-year-old Amy, said: “I liked learning the Shakespeare words and how to put an action with what you are saying.”

Mr Monahan said: “The priority of the day was giving the children as many chances as possible to get their tongues around Shakespeare’s language and make it come alive - exploring the images it contains and the very different feelings it can generate.”