Lucky lucky children - thanks to the Orange Tree Theatre's Children's Shakespeare workshops in schools, they are introduced to the bard in a light and breezy manner long before the texts become the subject of in-depth analysis for examination purposes.

These workshops go on in schools in the borough during the summer term and then at various stages, there are performances of bits of the plays at the theatre in Clarence Street.

Last week I was privileged to join about 170 small people for a partial rendition of Henry IV.

Part of the deal here is that various youngsters are deputed to perform tiny parts - but no one need feel left out for audience participation is another feature of the performance. Before the action starts, easy-going tutoring takes place thus we (all!) practised the twitiwooing of owls to set the scene in a lonely wood; we yelled A cup of sack' on cue and standing to attention, we intoned All hail Henry' (right hand on heart) King of England' (right-hand fist held aloft). Later we were divided into two groups - the rebels and the royal soldiers ready for the decisive battle.

The actors are all young and enthusiastic and throw themselves into the fray with glee. Four actors were involved - Shaka Bunsie (quite marvellously royal as King Henry IV), Greg Haiste, Bruony Harding and Anthony McGuinnes. The last played Falstaff - a gift of a role but he still produced a bravura performance which clearly delighted the young audience.

Honestly, do yourself a favour and look out for the next public performance.

Helen Taylor