ANYONE looking for fun things to do with family or friends will find plenty on offer in Stratford-upon-Avon next week thanks to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s special half-term programme of events.

Highlights include:

• To coincide with the RSC’s forthcoming production of Macbeth, young people can enjoy a range of activities inspired by Shakespeare’s famous play

• Learn more about how to uncover the different sounds and techniques connected with voice through games and exercises

• Get creative and enjoy an array of free drop-in activities at several RSC venues.

The events on offer are…

Monday, February 19 - Blood, Guts and Gore: £3.50 adults, £2.50 child at The Other Place, Event Space, 11.30am-12.30pm. Join former RSC Head of Wigs and Make-up, Brenda Leedham, as she talks about the tricks of the trade and how bruises, cuts and scars are created. Suitable for all ages and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

This will be followed by Play in a Day: Macbeth, £28, at the Clore Learning Centre Tuesday, February 20, 10am-4.30pm. To coincide with the RSC’s forthcoming production of Macbeth – young people can create their own shortened version of the Shakespeare play in just one day with help from an RSC expert. Afterwards family and friends can also enjoy a short presentation. For ages 11-12 who can attend without their parents or carers.

Also on offer - Introduce: Macbeth, £3.50 adults, £2.50 children, Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Wednesday, February 21, 11am-11.45am. Take part in this fun and active session and introduce your child to scenes and themes from Shakespeare’s famous play through simple rehearsal techniques. Suitable for ages four to eight and their parent or guardian.

Discover: Macbeth, £3.50 adults, £2.50 child, Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Wednesday, February 21, 2pm-3.30pm. Discover the stories and themes of Shakespeare’s brooding play, Macbeth, as you work as an actor does on your feet. Suitable for ages eight to 12 and their parent or guardian.

Voice Workshop: 8-12 years, £9, Clore Learning Centre - Thursday, February 22, 10.30am-12pm
Young people can find their voice and uncover different sounds and techniques through games and exercises with an RSC vocal expert. Suitable for those aged between 8-12 years who can attend without their parents or carers.

Craft Workshop: Colonnade, FREE, Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Thursday, February 22, 11am-4pm
Get creative and enjoy our free drop-in craft workshop. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Play in a Day: Macbeth, £28, Clore Learning Centre - Friday, February 23, 10am-4.30pm
Create a shortened version of Shakespeare’s well known play in just one day with help from an RSC expert and then show off your work to family and friends.

Kate’s Storytree: FREE, Upper Foyer, The Other Place - Friday, February 23, 10am-10.30am and again at 11.30am-12noon. Families can enjoy a special story time at these 30 minute sessions about tales old and new which are suitable for children under five. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Other events available over the February half-term include offering families fun at The Play’s The Thing, the RSC’s family friendly exhibition in Stratford where families can pop along and discover the secrets and stories behind the making of the RSC’s world famous productions.

They will be able to check out beautifully crafted costumes and props, try on virtual costumes, discover gory stage tricks and how sound effects are made, and experience how RSC productions are staged through interactive hands-on activities.

Children go free throughout the school holidays: February 19 – 23.

For more information visit -  www.rsc.org.uk/the-plays-the-thing/about-the-exhibition