Read School’s annual Talent Show did not disappoint in the quality of the talent on display.
Once again our pupils proved what a talented bunch they really are when they took to the stage to display their various skills. The audience was well entertained by a wide variety of acts, including singers, two different bands, dance ensembles and numerous instrumentalists such as saxophonists, pianists and drummers. An escapology routine by Evangeline Barnby (11) and a magic routine by Vanessa Tu (13) added something different to the mix, as did the Prep School dancers, performing their version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’, complete with zombie!
Judges this year were Mr Gisbourne (Head of ICT), Mrs Wynne (Head of Pre-Prep School) and Mrs Thomas (parent), who had a very difficult job in deciding on the winners.
Overall winners were eventually decided as James Turner from the Senior School, for his drumming display, with joint runners-up Megan Hughes and Hannah Torn, who both sang beautifully; Amy and Isla McLellan for the Prep School, who performed a piano duet, with runner up Amelia Addinall, another beautiful singer. All were presented with prizes, certificates and trophies by the Master of Ceremonies, Clifton Milburn, who once again, helped the show run smoothly.
A raffle was held on the night to help raise funds towards the purchase of a defibrillator for the school, as well as the auction of two beautiful cakes, made and kindly donated by Mrs Henry. Mr Collinson was the successful bidder for the ‘ambulance’ cake and Mr Ratcliffe the ‘musical’ cake. All in all, the sum of £350 was raised on the night towards the cause and we are very grateful to all donated prizes and bought raffle tickets to help this very worthy cause.
The Talent Show also coincided with the release of a CD of Read School pupils performing some of their favourite pieces.
The CD features many of our very talented pupils performing both individually and together, including the Prep School Choir and the Senior School a capella group, The Akafellas +3. Many individual performances of instrumental playing (flute, guitar, drums, saxophone) as well as many beautiful vocal performances are included on the 19 track CD which runs for approximately 58 minutes.
If anyone wishes to purchase copies they can be obtained from Mrs Clark (clark@readschool.co.uk) at the school, cost £10, all proceeds will go towards the continued funding of the Read School music department.