Fourteen pupils from Holy Family Primary School in Stoke Lodge have just taken part in the prestigious Mid Somerset Speech and Drama Festival for the second year running. Following weeks of hard work and intense rehearsals, the nervous eight to ten year olds set off to display their talents in front of a panel of esteemed judges.

The atmosphere was tense as Stephanie Palmer, aged 9, entered the verse speaking category. She was against 42 competitors and had to perform the poem off by heart. She spoke eloquently and the judges were overwhelmed with her recital, giving her first place! Stephanie stated, “I felt like a star!”

Another exceptional performance was prepared by Kundai Vurayayi, aged 10, who did a beautiful presentation of ‘Elephants’, by Alan Brown. Kundai performed against 37 other children and was only one point off the winner – a fantastic second place!

The group performance consisted of all fourteen children who gave an awe-inspiring rendition of ‘The Emperors’ New Clothes’. With no props or costumes, the children had to bring the story alive through their fantastic use of voice; their expert stage directions; and their phenomenal team work. Joseph Sharman, who played the Emperor commented, “It was an excellent day and I was really glad that we won.”

The judges were so impressed with them, that they were awarded an ‘Outstanding’ grade and were given first place. David Biddle (the adjudicator) even wrote,”This really was tremendously entertaining.” To the children’s delight, they were also selected to play at the ‘Grand Concert’ at the Guildhall in front of the Mayor of Bath.

All of this would have not been possible without the amazing Mrs Clare Parsons, who spent time and effort working with the children in order to give them this fabulous experience.

A huge well done to Holy Family School and particularly to all the children and staff involved – what a fantastic result and a very proud moment!