Hundreds of talented schoolchildren light up the stage at Melton Theatre
Hundreds of talented students from a dozen local schools lit up the stage at Melton Theatre at a popular annual dance and drama showcase.
Sky Theatre Schools’ Challenge provides a unique opportunity for children to build confidence and experience the thrill of live performance in front of a 340-seat audience – many of the children had never stepped foot on a stage before, making their performances all the more impressive.
The electric atmosphere was palpable as pupils from Melton primary schools St Mary's School, Swallowdale School, The Grove School and St Francis School, plus village schools Frisby School, Gaddesby School, Asfordby Hill School, Asfordby Captain’s Close School, Scalford School, Buckminster School and Bottesford School performed in front of the audience and a panel of esteemed judges.
The children from Captain’s Close School were judged the winners, with Frisby School runners-up and St Mary's School in third place.
Suzanne Forrester, organiser of the event and owner of the town’s Performing Stars Academy, said: "It’s one of my favourite events of the year.
"It's a real highlight to see so many children come together from different schools and experience the magic of live performance."
The event, which is now in its ninth consecutive year, saw over 200 children take to the stage in the heats last month to showcase their talents in dance and drama performances lasting between four and six minutes.
The finale, which took place last Thursday, sold out in under 10 minutes, breaking a record at the Melton Theatre.
Judges Olivia Fines and Djalenga Scott, who are both West End and international musical theatre and TV performers, were blown away by the standard of performances but, more importantly, the energy and confidence exuded by all the children.
Suzanne added: “This spectacular event highlights exactly why the Melton Theatre is a vital part of our community.
"It's a hub for creativity, confidence-building, and bringing people together.
"Let's make sure we save the Melton Theatre – it's a gem that deserves to remain at the heart of our community.”
Those schools interested in taking part in the Sky Theatre Schools Challenge 2027 are invited to email Suzanne at [email protected] for details.