CHILDREN from 28 Wokingham primary schools gave the performance of a lifetime on a professional Reading stage.
Wokingham Area School Music Association (WASMA) helped the youngsters and their teachers prepare for a show celebrating songs from the silver screen.
The concert, Lights, Camera, Action! Brought together choirs, drama, poetry and dance, with a total of 760 children starring in two productions.
David Congdon of WASMA said: “Both concerts took place at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading, and were almost fully sold out.
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“The schools work very hard, putting in lots of rehearsal time, but everybody loves taking part.
“It was a very special event, with some 30 children, aged seven, eight, or nine, singing solos on the Hexagon stage.
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“It’s the perfect venue for these concerts, a big professional theatre, but not so huge that the children can’t spot their families in the audience.
“The youngsters had a wonderful opportunity to shine, and we hope it’s something they remember for a very long time.
“Some may do this only once in their lives, a number may enjoy choirs and music groups throughout their school years, but others may go on to be professional performers.”
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The WASMA shows also provide opportunities for sixth form students interested in a film career.
“We are able to involve five students each year, who get to operate cameras for a live broadcast round the theatre autitorium,” Mr Congdon explained.
“We work with a charity called Real Time Video, and it’s effectively two days of work experience for the sixth formers.
“Some from previous years have since gone on to pursue careers in the film industry.”
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Children from Alder Grove, Bearwood, Charvil Piggott, Earley St Peter’s, Farley Hill, Grazeley, Hawthorns, Highwood, Loddon, Nine Mile Ride, Radstock, St Cecilia’s, St Paul’s, and Winnersh primary schools performed on Sunday, March 10.
Two weeks later, pupils from Colleton, Emmbrook Junior, Finchampstead, Montague Park, Gorse Ride, Hawkedon, Keep Hatch, Lambs Lane, Oaklands Junior, Polehampton Junior, Robert Piggott Junior, St Dominic Savio, St Nicholas Hurst, and Willow Bank Junior schools performed on Sunday, March 24.
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Headteacher of Alder Grove C of E primary school Philip Theobald, said: “WASMA is always a highlight in the calendar for many schools across Wokingham.
“Once again, it brought immense joy to watch and be part of the performance this year, which surpassed all expectations.
“The time and effort invested by all the schools in producing such brilliant singing, dancing, and acting made the night thoroughly enjoyable.
“A huge thanks to all the staff for their dedication, not only on the day of the performance but also in the weeks leading up to it.
“Having performed in a similar concert many years ago during my time in primary school at The Hexagon, I understand first hand how WASMA creates lasting memories and remains a special night for all involved for many years.
“It offers our children a vital platform to showcase their talents in an iconic local venue, creating cherished moments as they look out at a near-full auditorium filled with family and friends.
“Gratitude is owed to the organisers for their tireless dedication, and we eagerly anticipate WASMA 2025.”
For more information, visit: www.wsh.wokingham.gov.uk, and www.real-time.org.uk
