School’s Christmas play could make it to TV screens
A PRIMARY school’s Christmas play, showcasing the story of a fascinating group of local performers, is in the running to be broadcast on television across the country.
Betws Primary School in Bridgend has been shortlisted in a competition for their Christmas performance to be professionally filmed and made available to millions of Virgin Media customers.
Their festive play tells the story of the Anderson family – who were a group of talented variety performers who entertained their Gawr Valley community throughout the 1910s.
If the school wins the competition, the cast of the Year Three and Four play will be joined by TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, who will play the narrator for a one-off performance in front of the cameras.
The school is also in with the chance to win a £5,000 cash prize.
Year Three and Four teachers Sarah Goldsworthy and Lynsey Lewis wrote the play following a research project with their classes on the Anderson family.
“Last summer term Valley and Vale Community Arts Group approached us about doing a project about the Anderson family,” Sarah Goldsworthy said.
“They were circus performers and variety entertainers. When the First World War was on they set up community kitchens and eventually lost all their money helping people in the valley.”
The Christmas Stars competition has been organised by Virgin Media.
David Bouchier, chief digital entertainment officer at Virgin Media, said: “A huge congratulations to Betws Primary School for reaching the final stage of our magical Christmas Stars competition.
“Their production has the perfect ingredients for a feelgood festive play which could be e njoyed by millions of Virgin TV customers this Christmas.
“We’ve now got the tough task of choosing a winner from our fantastic finalists – good luck Betws Primary School!”
Judging of the shortlisted schools will take place this week, with the winner announced in the week commencing December 17.
Virgin Media will then film the school’s production and make it available, on demand, to millions of Virgin TV customers this Christmas.
A prize of £1,000 will be awarded to the runner-up school.