Looking back on performances: when children stole the limelight

Whether at school or through a drama group, it gives them a chance to show off their skills in acting, singing or playing a musical instrument to a hopefully appreciative audience.
Who can forget the jitters of standing in the wings waiting to go on?
And how many Cumbrians who were bitten by the acting bug as youngsters have gone on to pursue a career in the performing arts? Perhaps even becoming a household name?
It’s not clear if any of them reached the dizzy heights of fame, but our main picture shows the cast of the Castle Carrock School play in 1988.
Whatever it was, it demanded a range of different costumes.

In July 2016, Distington Community School put on a production of Grease. Georgia Gilmore, who played Sandy, is pictured giving her rendition of Hopelessly Devoted To You.

Above cast members link arms for a singalong.

For their school production, juniors at Arlecdon School performed a play called Hammy Hamlet.
Hamlet, played by Oliver Clingan, is shown holding a skull aloft for the famous ‘Alas, poor Yorick!’ monologue.

Not to be outdone, infants at the same school put on a play called Pirates on the same day in 2016. Their costumes were certainly impressive.

Talented music teacher Mike Milner wrote a musical for pupils at Seaton St Paul’s Junior School and a picture shows them recording it.

Meanwhile, Caldew School musicians had the honour of being chosen for the opening of the Voices from The Somme exhibition at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life at Carlisle Castle. Pictured at the recording are Will Nixon, 15, on the flute and head of performing arts Susanna Cooper, conducting.

High School Musical was the choice for Workington & District Amateur Musical Society (WADAMS) in 2016 and playing the lead roles of Troy and Gabriella were Andrew McMinn and Hannah McLean. They made a handsome couple.

Our last picture shows Holme St Cuthbert’s School’s music project, which ended with a visit from Elvis, no less.