PUPILS enjoyed a performance of the tragic tale of Shakespeare’s Macbeth thanks to a bursary at Oxfordshire’s newest theatre.

More than 50 students from Pegasus Primary School in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, were treated to a professional staging of the play at the new Rose Theatre built at Blenheim Palace.

The trip was funded by the theatre company's Rose Bursary Scheme, with travel help from Oxford Bus Company. The school said costs would have otherwise made the trip impossible.

Pegasus teacher Anita Handa said: “In Year 6 the children do a topic based on Shakespeare.

“We always aim to provide them with the opportunity to see one of his plays in a theatre.

“However, in the past few years we have struggled to take them due to the cost.

“The Rose Bursary Scheme has allowed them to watch a play performed by professionals in a wonderful setting and I’m sure they will be more excited by their next topic in September.”

The children visited the new theatre on July 11, and watched one of four plays being performed at the Rose Theatre up to September 7.

Ms Handa added: “The children loved the experience and many commented the first scene was so exciting.”

Details at blenheimpalace.com