Bay pupils set to perform at Shakespeare's Globe

David Simes, one of two local students selected to go to the Globe Theatre in London next year, pictured with Mount Maunganui College drama teacher and Shakespeare Festival regional representative Wayne Flanagan. Photo / George Novak

Two aspiring Bay thespians will travel to London and perform on one of the world's most famous stages next year after being selected from among thousands of hopefuls.

Mount Maunganui College student David Simes and Te Wharekura o Mauao student Kaydin Budd are two of 24 high school pupils to be chosen as members of the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company for 2016.

Their selection is the culmination of months of regional and national competitions, most recently a week spent at the national production week with 46 others.

Then came the call that they had been selected to join the company.

It was hugely exciting for Year 12 student David Simes, who is relatively new to performing arts.

"It's my first year doing Shakespeare, full stop," he said. "I was overwhelmed and really excited. I'd been waiting for the call all day."

It was the power of the language and the timeless themes that David loved about Shakespeare.

"I thought drama would be a fun subject and now it's a passion."

"Performing at the Globe will be amazing."

The company will learn, rehearse and perform one of Shakespeare's plays during their two-and-a-half week trip. David, who is originally from England, said he had invited his friends and family from his former home town, about an hour from London, to see the company perform.

Mount Maunganui College drama teacher and Shakespeare Festival regional representative Wayne Flanagan said it was the region's most successful year in the competition, with the two boys chosen for the company and a haul of national prizes.

Six local students were chosen for the national production week and Mount Maunganui College student Elekis Poblete-Teirmey was awarded second place in costume design.

Mount Maunganui College and Te Wharekura o Mauao were among award winners for presentation and performance.

David and Kaydin will travel to London in July.

To support David's fundraising efforts, visit his Givealittle page Help David get to The Globe.