Unprecedented success at Chester Festival
Fifteen pupils across a number of year groups were awarded first place prizes in the Speech and Drama section of the Chester Festival, which was held last month.
Leading lady from the Dramatic Society production of Annie the Musical, Bella Rutherford, picked up a pair of awards in Verse Speaking and Prepared Scene, while also gaining a second in solo drama.
Others to achieve a first in the prepared scene category were Anna Parry-Williams, Amanda Sperring, Zahra Shamsi, Grace Ormerod, Beau Holden, Josh Peevor, Ethan Davies, Alicia Zhou and Ruby James.
There were a number of other pupils that took away double successes from the showcase, with Harry Hackman gaining firsts in both Spiritual Reading and Prepared Scene, while Miles Poller and Shruthi Ganapthi came away with first place from both Prepared Scene and Sight Reading categories.
Sophie Williams (Prepared Reading) and Elishia Phillips (Spiritual Reading) also has a first to show for their efforts.
In addition to the first places, a large number of other placings were achieved by the pupils mentioned, and Sophie Madden, Lili Northcott, Pip Thomas and Isobel Rogerson added to the plethora of achievements from the young stars.
A host of pupils descended on the Rick Maple Drama Studio for the annual Intermediate inter-house competition, which produced a number of exceptional performances.
The plays were judged by former pupils Lydia Dickson and Alex Rowlands, who took time out of their university holidays to run the rule over the current stars at the school.
After a competitive afternoon Osborn were given the title of best play thanks to their tale surrounding a pair of couples in a restaurant, with the likes of Cerys Cuddihy, Teddy Roberts and Zahra Shamsi shining in what was a comical and dramatic tale.
Not to be outdone, Payne house were given the best acting title for their fantastic play around scandal at a summer fete, with outstanding performances from Sydney Johnson, Kevin Farrell and Tegid Goodman-Jones, who produced a hilarious effort as the drunk, jilted cub scout leader.
Miss Earle, said: “It was another competition where all pupils put in a smashing effort and the standard was really high throughout.
“Well done to all who took part and it was great to see Alexa and Lydia back at Rydal Penrhos, where they continue to inspire the next generation.”