Shakespeare comes to Rochdale

Costumes of Juliet, the Nurse and Lady Capulet

Shakespeare week has been celebrated this week at Rochdale Central Library. The library has held an exhibition of costumes from a production of Romeo and
Juliet and has been bringing Shakespeare to local school children.

One of the main attractions at the library was a display of costumes used in a traditional production of Romeo and Juliet. The costumes came from Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre.

Suzanne Heslan, who works for Rochdale Borough Council, said: "We decided on the costumes from Romeo and Juliet because it is on the GCSE syllabus as well as the A level syllabus and I think it is one of the most recognisable Shakespeare plays out there."

Suzanne chose the costumes from the costume department at the Royal Exchange Theatre along with Eileen Earnshaw.

Shakespeare Week is an annual celebration throughout March to bring Shakespeare to life and is celebrated throughout schools, theatres, historical sites, museums, galleries, cinemas and libraries across the UK.

Friar Lawrence, Romeo and Tybalt costumes

Suzanne added: "We have had a really good response. We have had people saying how enjoyable things have been."

As well as the costume display, the library held a reading session with Eden Bannatyne, who dressed up as Shakespeare, and Big Foot Productions worked with local primary school children on the work of Shakespeare.

"It has been about making Shakespeare accessible to everyone and I think that is what we have done," said Suzanne.

The event is also part of the build up to the Rochdale Literature and Ideas festival, which will take place in October.

"This week wouldn't have been possible without the help of my reading group, my philosophy group and Shannon, Jessica and Maheen. They have all helped get everything together for what has been a great week,” said Suzanne.