News

After a fantastic first heat of the Performing Shakespeare competition at Hazel Wood High School in December 2024, our talented winners, Kaden and Georgia, advanced to the second heat at St. Ambrose College, Altrincham.

Students participated from St. Ambrose College, Stretford Grammar, Manchester High School for Girls, Eden Boys Academy and Hazel Wood High School and there were many outstanding performances. It was difficult, impossible for us to guess who the judges would pick to go through to the next stage. After their deliberation they commented that it was rare to have such a high calibre of performances at this stage of the competition. Students from St. Ambrose, Stretford Grammar and Eden Boys’ progressed to the regional finals in May.

Both students delivered stunning and captivating performances that left the audience in awe. Their passion, dedication, and talent truly shone on stage.

We were thrilled to receive numerous compliments on their performances, including high praise from Jennifer Rigby, a representative from the English Speaking Union (ESU), who was so impressed that she encouraged them to continue pursuing the performing arts and to apply for the competition again next year.

Both students represented the school exceptionally well, making themselves - and all of us at Hazel Wood - very proud. Congratulations for not only memorising a three-minute monologue but also delivering it alongside a wonderful two-minute introduction about yourselves and the act and scene you were performing. As one of the judges, a barrister, commented; “it takes courage to stand in front of an audience and invite strangers to judge your ability, speak publicly, then to perform complex characters and language. You are all winners”.

We are incredibly proud of Kaden and Georgia for their achievements. Their hard work and enthusiasm are a testament to the dedication of our students. We can't wait to see what they do next!