Romeo & Juliet: The Match (accessible play)

Step onto the pitch for the ultimate literary showdown with Romeo & Juliet: The Match - a bold, modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, set during a high-stakes derby between Manchester United and Manchester City.

This engaging adaptation transforms Shakespeare’s famous feud into a fierce football rivalry, placing the action in the electric atmosphere of match day. The passion, loyalty and conflict remain - but this version removes the tragic deaths and instead delivers a powerful, age-appropriate ending centred on growth, understanding and reconciliation. Characters learn from their mistakes, challenge rivalry culture and ultimately discover respect beyond competition.

Designed specifically for KS2 and KS3 SEND learners, this simple, accessible retelling preserves the heart of the original story while removing language barriers and unnecessary complexity. The script uses clear dialogue, structured scenes and supportive formatting to ensure all pupils can follow, perform and enjoy the play with confidence.

What’s Included in the 51-Page Resource Pack?

A Complete Modern Playscript
A fully reimagined, easy-to-follow script set across one dramatic derby match — perfect for performance or classroom study.

Comprehensive English Resources
Reading comprehension tasks, structured writing activities, vocabulary development and SPAG exercises — all directly linked to the play and carefully scaffolded for SEND learners.

Accessible Differentiation Throughout
Clear instructions, chunked tasks, writing frames, sentence starters and achievable outcomes to reduce cognitive overload and build independence.

Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment Materials
Purpose-built reflection sheets help pupils evaluate their reading, writing and performance skills, encouraging metacognition in a structured and supportive way.

Romeo & Juliet: The Match is ideal for:

• SEND schools and specialist provisions
• Inclusive mainstream classrooms
• Football-themed enrichment projects
• School productions with a modern twist
• Learners who benefit from high-interest, relatable contexts
Energetic, relevant and carefully adapted, this version brings Shakespeare into a world pupils understand — where rivalry meets respect, competition meets compassion, and everyone gets the chance to win.