The Merlin Theatre is proud to bring the UK’s biggest Shakespeare celebration of the year to Haverfordwest. The world’s largest youth drama festival sees students from primary, secondary and special schools unite on stage for the celebratory finalé of a six-month journey.

Cultural education charity Shakespeare Schools Foundation (SSF) has recruited over 1,000 schools across the country to perform as part its annual festival. Up to 30,000 students will get the chance to perform in one of 136 professional theatres across the UK, with 292 performance nights taking place between October and December.

Students have the opportunity to showcase their talents with abridged performances of thrilling Shakespeare plays.

Poppy, a festival participant, said the SSF experience helped her make friends: “Because of the Shakespeare Schools Festival, I was able to bond with lots of people and make friends with people I never thought I would.”

Actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, a patron of SSF, said he was amazed by the impact of the festival: “The enjoyment of the children who take part in the shows and the sense of confidence they gained from both performing and working with the words is palpable, and will surely help them both now and in later life.”

SSF targets students and communities who stand to benefit the most from engagement with the arts. The unique performances build vital life skills in participants and inspire a lifelong interest in culture and the arts across the whole community.

Shakespeare Schools Foundation chief executive Ruth Brock said: “We know that Shakespeare is difficult and off-putting for many. But we also know that SSF’s unique process, which culminates in the chance to perform on professional stages, has the power to change this perception and to change lives.”

Performance night: Saturday, November 18, at Pembrokeshire College. Tickets: £9.50 - adults/£7 - concession. Call Pembrokeshire College on 01437 753100.