Woodham Academy students showed just how much talent there is in the school in their recent show, ‘Woodham’s Got Talent!’ which took place on March 12th. Thirty five acts auditioned earlier in February for the chance to win one of twenty places in the grand final. With acts ranging from singers and dancers to martial arts displays, there was a difficult choice to be made. The final twenty acts represented all year groups within the school and showed the diversity of talent available.
The night itself proved to be a spectacular show. Opening the concert in her first public performance at Woodham was Year 7’s Millie Robson, showing great confidence for such a young performer Another confident Year 7 performance came from Eva Efstathiou, demonstrating a mature vocal ability. Other vocal performances came from Year 11’s Bethany Clarkson and Francesca Porritt and Year 8’s Hannah Bussey, all of whom are now seasoned performers in both school and community shows.
Instrumental performances were also strong, with a cornet solo from Year 9’s Amy Taylor, and from Year 10, Sam Gittins’ moving performance of ‘Comptine d’un autre été’. Dance acts completed the programme, with a fantastic gymnastic display from Daniel Wilkinson in Year 7, an energetic and compelling dance routing from Year 8’s Charlotte Lough, and group performances from Amy Corking and Katie Leadbitter, Kira Watson and Joanne Cunliffe, and Maddie Ford and Elissa Collin. The competitive part of the show was closed by a group of Year 10 students led by vocalist Meghan Cumming, with their version of Imagine Dragons’ ‘Hear Me’.
The judges retired to make their decision, which was no mean feat having seen the amount of talent on display. While they were absent, the audience were entertained by former Woodham student Stacey Cant, now studying Performing Arts, with a beautiful performance of ‘On My Own’. This was followed by a rousing staff performance which saw the Spice Girls reborn, and had the audience cheering in the aisles. Notable mention must of course go to Shay Whelan of Year 11, who skilfully played compère throughout the evening, adding more than a touch of comedy to the proceedings!
Finally the judges returned, and delivered their verdicts. Outside the top three ranked positions, they awarded special commendations to Charlotte Lough’s dance performance, Keira Durham’s vocal performance of ‘Ain’t Nobody’ and Jade Cutler for her rendition of ‘Valerie’. Third place overall was awarded to Year 9 student Charlotte McAdam, with her performance of ‘Love Story’. Second place went to talented violinist Zöe Efthymiadou in Year 10, while the winning act was Year 8’s Lauren Towell’s spectacular dance performance.
A final performance by Lauren rounded off the show. Many of the participants will now be looking forward to their next chance to perform, Woodham Summer Concert, on Thursday 3rd July at 7pm. For more information on this or any other Woodham Academy event, please contact the school directly on 01325 300328.
