GALLERY: Stars of Rastrick High School shine bright at talent show

Head Girl Sophie Lawley and Head Boy Harvey Turner took the stage as the hosts of the night, doing a fantastic job introducing the acts and liaising with the judges for feedback on each performance.

The audience and judging panel were in a sense of admiration of the diversity of the gifted and talented students with musicians on piano, tenor horn and bass guitar, as well as rappers, singers, ballet and contemporary dancing plus a kung-fu routine. This year’s show had the first Chinese Pop song sang by Ricki Bai, who stole the show with his charismatic charm.

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Many of the acts performed their own variation from their favourite artists while others choreographed their own dance routines. Even some of the staff members got involved, were dressed as students breaking the uniform rules, entertaining the audience whilst the judges deliberated. They then all awkwardly attempted to do famous pop song dance routines, leaving the audience laughing in hysterics.

There were two age range categories this year with two worthy winners in the process.

The Key Stage 3 winner (age 11-14) was won by Samyrah Umba N’zau from Year 7, who sang a soulful rendition of ‘Chandelier’ by Sia; everyone was blown away by her voice and performance. The Judges were torn between two outstanding acts to crown the winner for the Key Stage 4 & 5 category (age 15-18) and decided to have joint winners: Sasha Morris, who sang a powerful performance of ‘Writing on the Wall’ by Sam Smith, and Ben Malone, who performed ‘If I were a Rich Man’ from the musical Fiddler on the Roof.

Year 8, Ruby Chadwick, came in second place, in the Key Stage 3 category, following her beautiful performance singing a slow piano accompaniment version of ‘Titanium’ by Sia.

Third place went Year 7 Jenny Elvidge, who poised a phenomenal Kung-Fu routine to the classic Carl Douglas song ‘Everybody was Kung – Fu Fighting.’

Ophelia Ormerod, from Year 10, came second place in the Key Stage 4 & 5 category. She gave an outstanding, note perfect, performance of ‘Defying Gravity’ from the musical Wicked.

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Third place was awarded to Rastrick High Chamber Choir, who sang an awesome arrangement of ‘It’s Raining Men’ by The Weather Girls. The choir consists of 16 performers: Adeporoye Adebowale, Jemimah Allen, Chloe Brearley, Libby Brearley, Georgia Collier, Amy Jagger, Georgina Keenan, Alice King, Saskia Kirk, Lucy Meadowcroft, Charlotte Mitchell, Grace Moore, Ophelia Ormerod, Elise Tattersall and Beth Thompson.

Deborah Adamson, the original creator of the show, made a return to the judging panel accompanied by returning judge and two-time winner, Matthew Wilson. Destani Dyer, last year’s winner, also made a return swapping her contestant role to being a judge.

The fourth judge was former student Ryan Russell, who is currently a host on CBeebies. All four had the hardest task of the night commentating on all the acts and choosing the top three in both categories.

Ryan was impressed with the quality of contestants in the competition: “A massive well done to all the students that showcased their talents and to the staff of Rastrick High School, for putting on a highly enjoyable and entertaining show!

Also, a huge thank you to Mrs Adamson, for being such a caring and supportive teacher for myself and many other students, throughout the years.”

Headteacher, Mr Steve Evans, said: “I am so proud of our students. It is always a thoroughly enjoyable evening for the families of our students and for the students themselves, who get to perform on stage in such a wonderful theatre and a feel for professional performance; their confidence and strength of character is breath taking.

“It goes without saying that a show of this standard could not happen without the commitment of some of our wonderful staff, led by Mr John Piper, who work tirelessly with the students to ensure that each year is our best show ever.”

CLICK THE LINK AT THE TOP OF THIS STORY TO SEE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT