A YOUNG poetry reading winner will perform on the hallowed boards of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London this weekend.
Eleven-year-old Tabitha Sherlock from Low Fell, near Gateshead, reached the national finals of the Poetry By Heart competition having been chosen to perform by her school Dame Allan’s Junior School, in Newcastle.
Her recitation of Instructions for Growing Poetry by Tony Mitton and Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson earned her a Special Commendation when judged by a team of poets and poetry experts as part of the competition.
Now she is being given the opportunity to recite one of the poems at Shakespeare’s Globe in front of an audience of 400 finalists, poets, publishers and guests as part of the competition celebrations.
Tabitha said: “I felt incredibly happy and so proud to have reached the final ten, and I’m excited to go to London. It feels extra special to be representing my school. I love performing arts, English and drama and so I was delighted that my passions have been recognised.”
Dame Allan’s Junior School holds its own poetry reading competition each year; however, it was the first time the Independent school had entered Poetry by Heart, a national recitation competition for schools and colleges across England.
As winner of Dame Allan’s in-house competition, Tabitha was selected to then record her recitation of the poems to be judged by the panel at Poetry By Heart. As a Key Stage 2 regional winner and national finalist, she received a record of achievement and feedback on her video performance from the judges.
As part of the celebrations in London on July 18 and 19, Tabitha will enjoy an ‘audience choice’ performance at the Globe theatre, where the actors won’t know which Shakespeare play they will be performing until those watching in the audience make the decision on the evening.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here