Brooksby Melton College students getting ready to perform at Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre

Brooksby Melton College degree students are returning to the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre this Sunday to perform Middleton and Rowley's Jacobean classic, The Changeling.
The Changeling, a Jacobean tragedy by Brooksby Melton College's BA (Hons) performing arts students PHOTO: SuppliedThe Changeling, a Jacobean tragedy by Brooksby Melton College's BA (Hons) performing arts students PHOTO: Supplied
The Changeling, a Jacobean tragedy by Brooksby Melton College's BA (Hons) performing arts students PHOTO: Supplied

The students, who study BA (Hons) performing arts, will be travelling to Stratford-upon-Avon to perform their rendition of the play, which they have been tirelessly rehearsing since casting in October 2017.

BA (Hons) performing arts student, Rebecca Lindfield, said: “This is the second year I have been a part of this project at the RSC and I can’t put into words the feeling I get when being on the stage there. The theatre is beautiful and it is such an honour to be able to perform on it. This experience as a whole is overwhelming and very enjoyable, from the rehearsal process through to the final performance.”

John Pickering, also a BA (Hons) performing arts student, added: “Working on this project has developed my understanding of the commitment needed to be a professional actor and has given me the confidence to push forward in my dream career.”

Ross Woods, programme team manager for performing arts and media at Brooksby Melton College, said: “The students have worked tirelessly on developing their performances for this very challenging text. They have worked collaboratively and supported each other throughout the whole process. It is always a pleasure seeing students engaging and getting excited about classical theatre, particularly the first time they walk through the unassuming backstage area of the Swan Theatre and onto one of the world’s most famous stages.”

The Changeling is a Jacobean tragedy focusing on Beatrice-Joanna, who is betrothed to Alonzo but loves another. Treachery and tragedy ensue, with Beatrice attempting to rid herself of Alonzo for good. The sub-plot, which provides a more comical element, features a couple who live in an asylum, with many suitors longing for Alibius’ young wife, Isabella.

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