The hurly-burly was done and the battle won for a group of Queen's High School drama pupils who have won three awards in a national Shakespeare festival.
The seven-strong group was the first the school has entered in the Wellington competition in its 24-year history.
Performing the opening scene of Macbeth, they came away with three major awards; Most imaginative and innovative production, Outstanding costume/design, and Best voice projection [whole cast].
Queen's High head girl Juliette Bernard (17) said to take the stage in Wellington was "pretty surreal''.
"It was amazing performing on such a big stage in front of people with the same passion.''
Fellow performer Aoife Picken (17) agreed that it was a "life-changing experience''.
"It was intimidating being on a national stage, but at the same time we were all in the same boat.''
The girls said representing the Otago region was "an honour''.
"Getting through to regionals was a big enough surprise, then to get through to nationals was amazing,'' Aoife said.
Queen's head of drama Terry MacTavish said they were thrilled to win the awards, especially the imaginative and innovative award, for "the beginning scene everyone thinks they know so well''.
"It was lovely to surprise them.''
-The SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival took place in Wellington over Queen's Birthday weekend, bringing together more than 500 young Shakespearean hopefuls from around New Zealand to perform and partake in acting workshops.
-By Sarah Templeton
