Students brush up on bard

"All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players."

Shakespeare could have been referring to Parkfield Primary School students in Australind who have this week been treading the boards to present their play Brush up your Shakespeare.

The play, which brings together students, teachers, family and friends in a tribute to the bard, is the brainchild of dance/drama teacher Irene Fowler and four dedicated staff members.

"The whole school is involved in one way or another, we have 170 students from Year 1 toYear 7 as well as a band and a choir," Mrs Fowler said.

"The cast is around 200, one third of the school, although the whole school has been involved in the process of bringing the production to the stage.

"Shakespeare is a wonderful choice for our play, he covers so much human emotion and many relationship topics.

"The children are so excited."

Mrs Fowler uses plays as a learning aid sees the productions as a great chance to bring the whole school together to create a sense of community.

Since 2003 Parkfield Primary has presented four plays.

After a break of three years since the last major production, the latest effort has been eagerly awaited and anticipated.

Students took to the stage on Tuesday and will complete their final performance on Thursday night, presenting their play to a sell-out crowd.