A CHRISTMAS performance put pupils centre stage, as they entertained family and friends with music, song and dance last week.

Youngsters from all year groups at Lydney’s Dean Academy took part in the evening show, which was designed to showcase their talents.

Kathryn Rodway, head of performance at the school, said: “Our Christmas Showcase really was a huge success.

“The amount of time, effort and commitment that pupils have all put into their performance was clearly evident with some outstanding performances from students from Year Seven right the way through to Year 11.

“I am so proud of how hard they have worked to put together an excellent Christmas-themed performance,” she added.

“Highlights included energetic dance routines from Year Eight and Year 10 students, including solo dances from Pippa Manley and Chloe Watts, as well as a colourful cup dance to Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory by year 10 GCSE dance students.

“Music was provided by Kai Powell on the keyboard and Skye Jordan on her ukulele, with brass recitals from Kieran Maass and Ella Lewis.

“Georgia Watson, Megan Denby and Emily McCoy sang solos to the packed hall and the Secret Singing Club members got the crowd feeling festive with their rendition of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” she said.

Head of School, Tom Beveridge, added: “The showcase was a fantastic evening and the quality of the performances was brilliant.

“The students and staff worked extremely hard to put everything together and it was lovely to see some of our less confident students really blossom on the stage,” he added.

“We were also given a sneak-preview of our school performance of Beauty and the Beast, scheduled for May 2019, and I’m looking forward to seeing this production in full.”