Kennet School pupils performed to a sold-out audience at this year’s House Performing Arts competition, with St David House named the overall winner.

The competition brought together pupils from all four Houses for an evening of dance and drama. House Captains led the productions, taking responsibility for writing scripts, running rehearsals and planning the design and technical elements, from costumes, props and sets to sound and lighting cues.

The judging panel was impressed by the standard across all aspects of the productions, praising pupils’ performances alongside their design choices, technical work and teamwork.

The panel comprised Rebecca Ford, Principal of Dance Fusion; Gina Jarrett from Rare Productions; musical theatre performer Izzy Parker; drama teacher and director Mary Tingle; local dance teacher Jess Smith; and Hannah Maskell, Creative Practitioner and Youth Leader from Newbury Corn Exchange.

Alongside the overall title, St David House received the awards for Overall Design and Most Innovative Choreography. St Michael House won the Technical Award, St Patrick House received Most Cohesive Performance, and St Francis House took the Best Director award.

Individual awards recognised Isla from St Michael House as Best Dance Performer and Ellen from St Patrick House as Best Technical Dancer. Connor from St Michael House was named Best Actor, whilst Mimi from St Francis House received Best Actress.

Mr M Gayler, Acting Headteacher, commented: “Our House Captains took responsibility for every stage of these productions, from the first script ideas to the final lighting cues. They should be proud of how they led and supported their fellow pupils. Congratulations to St David House and to everyone whose hard work, both on stage and behind the scenes, made this such an enjoyable evening.”

Kennet School thanked the judges for sharing their expertise, the House Captains for leading their teams, and everyone who performed or worked backstage to bring the productions to life.

Kennet School PTAC volunteers also supported the event by selling snacks and drinks before the show and during the interval, raising funds for the school.

The sold-out event offered families and supporters an opportunity to see the work pupils had put into their productions and celebrate their achievements in dance, drama and theatre production.