PUPILS took on five Shakespeare plays to stage an evening of bitesize Bard.

Members of The King's Academy drama clubs and sixth formers who are studying drama at A level took part in the event watched by an audience of family, friends and staff.

Directed by new drama teacher at the Coulby Newham Academy, Edward Jones, the students took on roles in scenes from As You Like It, The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth.

Sixth former Alex Connelly Marsh performed demanding lead roles as Macbeth and Shylock in the show that was held in the academy's new £1m performing arts studio.

Year 8 and Year 9 students also performed an abridged version of Romeo and Juliet.

As well as acting, 'fairies' Morgan Bone and Emma Purdy performed a magical dance. Other lead parts were taken by Hollie McCarten Donnelly as Lady Macbeth, Alan Taylor as Romeo, Rebecca Donninson as Juliet, Rebecca McClelland as Peter Quince and Chris Woods as Nick Bottom.

Head of performing arts Danielle Dodsworth said: "The students have worked incredibly hard. Rehearsals only began in September and, for most, it was the first time they had performed Shakespeare."