On Thursday afternoon, a group of Year 11 Literature students were invited, by the English Department, to attend a matinee performance of Shakespeare's controversial play, The Merchant of Venice.

This unorthodox reimagining of the antisemitic-themed original was helmed by Tracy-Ann Oberman (of EastEnders and Doctor Who fame) and takes place in 1930s Britain, which saw the country battling a wave of fascism, as well as a female version of the main protagonist - the notorious Shylock.

This sell-out, West End production, which has been universally-praised by critics, drew a standing ovation from the crowd, and we are proud to admit that St Julie's was the only school to attend the entire run! The students that were selected to attend this trip have been working tirelessly during their Language and Literature lessons - with many students hoping to take the subject at A Level - and we were more than pleased to reward their ceaseless commitment to the subject.