Ballakermeen bid a fond and very poignant farewell last night to its wonderful Year 13 Performing Arts students at a special showcase the young actors had created to mark the occasion, as part of the final module of their BTec course.

The aptly titled ‘Moving On’ was a variety show of songs, dance routines, monologues and duologues that the students had been working on for two months. The piece was tied together by a through narrative about a class of American college students preparing for one final performance.

The lively, bright and very funny showcase included many musical numbers from such shows as Avenue Q, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Wicked and Next To Normal, as well as songs the class had written and staged themselves. Monologues and duologues included pieces taken from plays written by Shakespeare, Sophocles, Alan Aykbourn, David Mamet, Trevor Barnes and Philip Ridley.

Over two hundred family, friends and teachers turned out to cheer and applaud the students in what proved to be a highly entertaining and memorable night of theatre. Performing Arts teacher Stephen Craige said of the students, ‘This class of students are outstanding performers. It has been a privilege to teach all of them and whilst I am excited for what the future holds for each of the group, I am very sad to see these wonderful young people go.’

Most of the group have been stalwarts of Ballakermeen Music and Drama for seven years. Two years ago they became the pioneers of the new Performing Arts course and have shown remarkable commitment and dedication to reach their current exceptional standard. The students involved in ‘Moving On’ were:  Beth Magee, Joe Hillard, Chloe Shimmin, Ollie Gray, Sabrina Rowett, Zoe Greatbatch, and Graihagh Brew. They are moving on with the best wishes of the Ballakermeen Arts Faculty. ‘We wish them all the luck in the world,’ said Mr Craige.’