Samsung has partnered with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and ad agency Cheil to launch a new app aimed at bringing the Bard to life for 11 to 18 year olds, with the help of famous actors and musicians.

The app, called RE:Shakespeare, includes interactive games and videos and hopes to help students appreciate Shakespeares plays by breaking up long scenes into bite-sized chunks that can be reinterpreted, remixed and performed in unique ways.

The app is hosted by RSC ambassador David Tennant, and also features actress Tamsin Greig, director Iqbal Khan, beatboxing artist Shlomo, and rapper and poet Akala. Users can create their own Dubsmash-style music videos, mixing in Shlomos beats with Shakespearean verse to create tracks.

The app also enables users to perform on a virtual stage with 360-degree immersive video, shot on the Royal Shakespeare Theatres stage at Stratford-upon-Avon, and provides pupils with tools to get to grips with Shakespearean language.

“Even 400 years on Shakespeare remains Britains preeminent playwright,” said Catherine Mallyon, executive director of the RSC. “As the only named writer that all children must study between the ages of 11 and 18, our mission to inspire students and teachers is more important than ever.

“The RE:Shakespeare app helps people to relate to Shakespeare and his themes in a whole new way. Once people start drawing comparisons between the plays and their own experiences, they will find Shakespeare even more accessible.”

“This campaign merges education and entertainment to create an immersive, engaging and fun way for young people to learn,” said Russell Taylor, chief marketing officer at Samsung UK and Ireland. “It showcases how Samsungs technology is brought to life in a relevant and accessible way.”