Hewlett-Coffey said it would be a “super cool experience”.
“We get to learn and train with some of The Globe directors.
“We put on an abridged version of Romeo and Juliet, so we rehearse that with the directors and put on a midnight matinée on our final night in London.
“It’s a great opportunity for anyone who loves acting and Shakespeare.”
Each year, 24 of New Zealand’s most talented young actors are selected from SGCNZ’s National Shakespeare Schools Production to form the Young Shakespeare Company.
Hewlett-Coffey was one of 48 young actors selected at a regional festival at Whangārei Boys High School.
He underwent an eight-day intensive training week in Wellington in September, working with directors on three scenes from As You Like It, The Tempest and Julius Caesar.
In December, the list of young performers was whittled down to 24 who formed the 2026 SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company.
They will participate in workshops and talks about the plays with actors and directors at Shakespeare’s Globe London.
Hewlett-Coffey, who is home-schooled and has been acting since he was 8, says he has always loved the stage and the screen.
He was on Shortland Street in 2024 for a few episodes, and last year was involved in the 48-hour film festival.
But it’s the English playwright, poet and actor who has captured his heart.
He said Shakespeare was “incredible”.
“Shakespeare is one of the greatest storytellers to ever write; all his stories are so timeless.
“He writes stories that are so innately human about love, betrayal, and jealousy.
“It’s always applicable, no matter what time period.”
To save for the upcoming trip, Hewlett-Coffey held a Shakespeare in the Garden fundraiser at Waipu Cove on January 31.
As his departure draws near, he is having a final fundraiser at the Octagon Theatre in Whangārei.
Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits is a narration through Shakespeare’s life with all his most famous monologues and soliloquies.
“Hopefully, people will come along and leave with a better understanding of who Shakespeare was and a newfound appreciation for his work,” Hewlett-Coffey said.
“He wrote for the common people of the time. His work still speaks to everybody now.”
Tickets are available at octagontheatre.nz
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.