Sidbury and Sidmouth pupils perform to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West

MORE than 70 children, aged five to 11, sang Sunshine in my Heart to open this year’s Sunshine in November two-day fundraiser for Childrens’ Hospice South West at Sidmouth’s Manor Pavilion Theatre.

Jan Rees, from Sidmouth Infants School, reports on Thursday’s Schools Night performances.

The opening number, sung with great enjoyment and energy by the children from just three local schools, set the scene for a really great evening.

Sidmouth Infants School sang a jolly pirate song, with the Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum line sung with great gusto and movement.

They had learnt three poems, two about Witches and one about the New Baby, which they recited with great aplomb, good expression and humour.

Nine six and seven-year-olds amazed the audience by singing two songs while playing ukeleles. The pupils give up lunchtime play once a week to learn the instrument under the guidance of Maria Corrick.

The children finished with an uninhibited carefree country dance.

Next up were brightly T-shirted pupils from Sidbury Primary School, who entertained with songs and dancing.

More than 50 children sang Lean on Me with an amazing young soloist and the Gospel song Oh Happy Day, with yet another confident soloist.

The movement they performed while singing was very slick and a joy to watch, in particular the dead pan movements in Always look on the Bright Side of Life, enhanced by a young man on drums.

There was a warm welcome for Annie Dunne, seven, from St. Johns’ School. Although St John’s could not attend, Annie was keen to join the show and bravely sang two solos: The Seagull and My Favourite Things for her first stage performance.

She delighted the audience with her mature performance and lovely clear voice.

St. Nicholas Junior School rounded off the evening with children, aged seven to nine, singing He’ll Be There staged and sung in two parts.

Pupils recited Roald Dahls’ poem The Television, about the dreaded square box as choral verse, with each child being able to say their own piece.

They finished their accomplished performance with Give it All You’ve Got, in two parts - one part rapping and one part singing, which worked well.

Sadly, due to staff illness, All Saints School, staunch supporters of Sunshine in November, had to withdraw this year.