JUST after half term students at Perins School in Alresford had the opportunity to take part in a range of arts events.

From dance, music and drama to art and a graphic novel workshop, the school was buzzing with students trying out new skills.

The workshops on offer were varied and included a ‘Blood Brothers’ workshop for Year 10 pupils led by actor Mike Southern who played Sammy for 11 years in the West End production of the show.

Visiting practitioner Nick O’Brien taught Year 9 students about the work of Brecht and Stanislavski, while younger students enjoyed a ‘Commedia dell’ Arte’ workshop presented by Learning Through Theatre, where they practiced slapstick comedy and mask drama.

For the musical students there was a samba workshop and in the art rooms there was a variety of themes for the competition to have paintings displayed on the school walls. Year 7 pupils were treated to a visit by the ‘Bloke of Steel’, aka librarian Paul Register, who enthused students about his love of comic books and manga.

More than 140 pupils auditioned for the music, drama and dance auditions and the creative arts studios were filled with all kinds of music from classical instrumental and solos to rock and pop music and classical singing. The drama was thought provoking in some cases and hilarious in others. Dancers showed their talent with ballet, contemporary dance and tap.

The finals evening was a culmination of the week.

A full house of students, parents and staff turned up to watch the fantastic showcase of drama, music and dance. The judges had a really difficult time trying to decide on the winners because of the standard of the entries, but the overall winner of the performing arts competition was Sam Booth, 14, who played a beautiful cello piece; ‘Polonaise De Concert’ by Popper.

Key Stage 4 winner was Toby Cooper, 15, for an outstanding classical vocal solo of ‘The Impossible Dream’ and the Key Stage 3 winner was Lewis Clark, 13, for a stunning solo dance to ‘Tears of an Angel’ by Ryan Dan. Serge Wynne, 12, took the non-performance award for his beautiful detailed painting representing the new school houses.

Lizzy McLaughlin, who worked hard all week with other teachers from the creative arts department, said: “It was a brilliant evening and the four comperes were outstanding and kept the crowd entertained.”

Also this year, 80 pupils from local primary schools attended, with their parents, a preview show of the finals night. They had a chance to vote for their favourite acts which were – 7th Heaven (Year 11 pupils Sophie Jarrett, Sasha Wells, Anya Rhodes and Morgan Fereday) for their unique A Cappella performance and Josh Fletcher (Year 10) for a brilliant, punchy, drum solo.

Amy Craig, acting team leader of drama, said: “We are so incredibly proud of all our students. The finals night is a fantastic way of letting them shine.

“The talent is outstanding and the judging panel found it very hard to decide on winners.

“We look forward to next year already.”