Children's Variety Show

Hurst Children's Theatre Group will be performing extracts from their first Variety Show at the Hurst Horse Show and Country Fayre. As this newsletter went to press the group was preparing to take the stage at Leighton Park School, Reading on 7 June, and look forward to a repeat performance in the village.

Twenty children ranging in ages from 7 to 13 have shown real dedication, not only in attending 14 weeks of rehearsals and practising at home, but some of them have also taken up the challenge of directing their friends, writes Dorinda Duncan.

They have chosen the cast, music and costumes, and choreographed pieces from Thriller, Fame, Spirit in the Sky, and a drama. The "directors" have had to motivate and direct their peers, which is an amazing feat at this young age. The children have also written project essays about the whole process and these will be on display at the show.

Invaluable help has been given by Lauren Kinge who introduced the cast to many different forms of dance, Caroline Speer who sold tickets and kept everyone together, Sarah Kinge who masterminded costumes, and Sally Pitwood for great prop hunting and stage management. We are also indebted to Leighton Park School who have provided the theatre at a substantially reduced fee.