The inaugural "Bethany's Got Talent" competition took place on 19th November.  This was an inter-house competition and the 11 acts were representing their respective Houses; Kiplings, Roberts or Speakers.

Three especially invited judges joined us for the evening.  From left to right they are:  Caroline Turvey, a trained soprano and winner of many competitions for vocal work.  She has had lead roles in many musicals and recently starred as Eliza in 'My Fair Lady' at the Assembly Halls in Tunbridge Wells.  In the centre is Michael White, a former Bethany student who left in 1998 to study classical singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  He has worked with some big names in classical music and has performed at numerous venues including the Royal Albert Hall.  He is now building himself a reputation as a talented folk singer.  Ro Fisher, retired last year after 38 years in teaching.  Her specialist areas were PE and the Performing Arts, with dance being her main subject.  She has directed many shows such as 'Cats', 'Evita' and 'Grease' and was also a chief examiner and moderator for dance.

 

A variety of acts from the across the year groups took part.  There were singers performing solos, duets or with guitar accompaniment.  There was a polished dance performance from girls in. Years 8 and 9 and a tremendous clarinet solo from a Year 7 and a hippopotamus!  Photos of all the performers can be seen in the gallery below.

 

Following the interval and before the results were announced, we were treated to three surprise performances.  First up was Mr Stubberfield, our Director of Music, with a rousing rendition of Robbie Williams' 'Angels'. He was followed by Mr Fisher singing an unaccompanied folk song 'January Man'.  Mr Dorey then sang a heartfelt version of 'Feelings' with a trumpet interlude.  All three received rapturous applause.

 

 

Matt Stockley, the compere for the evening, then called all the acts back to the stage.  The judges were thanked for giving up their time and for the wonderful comments they had given each performer.  The results were then announced in reverse order.

In third place was Sotoyne Pepple from the Upper Sixth representing Roberts.  She had sung 'Halo'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In second place, Ruth Semmens from Year 10 representing Kiplings, who sung a country and western number, 'Maybe He'll Notice Me Now'.

 

 

The delighted winner was Jake Sauvage from Year 10, also representing Kiplings who gave an outstanding performance of 'Flo-rider' on the drums.  Jake has subsequently performed this piece to the whole school during a Wednesday assembly.

 

 

 

 

Mrs Digby, who had organised the event, took to the stage to thank everyone who had helped her prepare for the competition.  She thanked the judges once again, Mr Fisher and the tech team, the Music Department, and, most particularly, all the contestants who had worked so hard rehearsing.  For those of you who missed the evening, make sure you book your tickets early next year as they will undoubtedly be snapped up!  Many thanks to Mrs Digby for such a wonderful event and particular congratulations to Jake and all the participants.  Jake brought the evening to a close with another energetic performance of his winning number.

Image Gallery: Click any of the thumbnails below to see the full version.