Young actors took to the stage to take part in a Battle of the Bards.

Year 7 to 11 students from Burnt Mill Academy, in Harlow, and Epping St John’s School, in Epping, put on a joint production.

Burnt Mill students performed 'Henry IV' before Epping St John’s students took on 'Othello' for the same audience in Epping.

Storylines were adapted, but the plots and language were kept true to Shakespeare.

Cristin Casey, director of performing arts for both BMAT schools, said: “We try to take learning of Shakespeare outside of just the language and bring the language to life through performance.

"The fact our children can sustain Shakespeare performances in this way is really special.

“Students should be engaging with Shakespeare; it’s a birth right and it enriches their lives.

"We are committed to providing these high-quality opportunities and enabling students to benefit from the value of live performance."