Portfield School in Hurn, Christchurch, hosts talent show

‘MOVING’ performances were put on for a packed audience during a talent show staged by a specialist autism school.

The event at Portfield School in Christchurch, which is attended by pupils between the ages of four and 19, had a vast array of performers including dancers, singers and actors.

Actor-in-residence Jane Herbert, who directed the show, said: “The students worked very hard all term on their performances. It was great to see their creativity and imagination unfold.

“The performance day was a long one for the students and they behaved so professionally, and came together to support each other.

“The highlight of the night for me was seeing students watching from the wings celebrating their classmates and clapping along to their songs. There was tremendous buzz backstage at both their collective and individual achievements.”

Portfield’s musicians in residence, Andy Baker and Mathew Hovenden, also contributed to the success of the show.

Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, which runs the school, said: “I don’t think there was a single person in the audience who wasn’t impressed and moved by what we experienced.

“We have immensely entertaining students at school; seeing them together on stage confirmed this. Fundamentally it was a great evening of entertainment, laughter and happiness. We are beyond proud of our performers.

“I know how much planning and hard work went into the show and I am hugely grateful to colleagues across the charity who worked so hard to make it happen.

“I heard from some students that they are already working on the next one.”