Pupils shine in Xmas play contest
PRIMARY school pupils impressed a panel of expert judges to make the semifinals of a national Christmas play competition.
St Peter’s Church of England Primary School finished in the top 24 of UK primary schools in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition – a search to find the UK’s best Christmas play.
They won £100 and will receive two ukuleles thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit West End show, School of Rock the Musical – which partnered with Virgin Media on the competition.
Although the school did not win the overall prize, they wowed a panel of judges with their entry for nativity - ‘I’m Gonna Shine’ from Out of the Ark.
Teacher Aelred Whelan said: “We are over the moon to have been shortlisted for the competition. It has brought an extra sparkle to Christmas time here at St Peter’s.
“We are so proud of the children, for how much joy and enthusiasm they put into our Nativity each year.
“Both staff and pupils have enjoyed the whole process of the competition and cannot wait to perform our spectacular Christmas show to our family and friends.”
The nativity tells the story of Gloria, the brightest star of all, on a magical journey to Bethlehem to see the new baby King, Jesus. Gloria must guide the special guests, including the shepherds and their flocks to Bethlehem before the angry King Herod finds the new born King.
A panel of judges included praised the school for its creative and imaginative nativity.
David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, said: “Well done to St Peter’s for being a semifinalist in Virgin Media’s Christmas Stars competition 2019.
“Everyone at the school should be proud of their fantastic festive entry and we’re delighted they’ve won a prize.”