Earnest production was an emotional event

PERIOD drama performed by primary schoolchildren could never be anything other than entertaining.

This year's Herm school summer concert was an ambitious retelling of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

Running at 90 minutes, this must be the school's most challenging production yet, and teacher Mary Carey certainly got the best out of each of her students.

The two 'Earnests' in question were played very well by Elliot Knight and Ryan Jones, who did brilliantly to get across the subtle humour and word-play in the script. What is a complicated and confusing story for many adults didn't phase them in the slightest.

Morgan Jones and Catrin Dobson Jones were the love interests in the story, both showing very diverse characters, and performing difficult scenes in which cattiness and camaraderie were cleverly combined.

India Waterhouse's Miss Prism was gentle and girlish with a lovely voice, while Eden Latter's Lady Bracknell could probably be heard in Guernsey. Cries of 'A haaandbaaag??!!' will be giggled over for weeks.

Brandon Hastings gave us an enthusiastic and energetic vicar, but five-year-old Ffion Jones stole the show with her portrayal of the housemaid. Playing a combination of Baldrick and Mrs Overall while wearing an Amy Winehouse wig, her comedic timing was spot on.

The concert was an emotional event for many, as half the children are leaving at the end of term to move on to schools in Guernsey. This was a lovely last performance for the group we have watched grow up through the years and who have given us many great and hilarious concerts.

On a separate note, the Herm school fete was planned for Saturday, weather permitting, but sadly has been cancelled.

It is a big event in the school calendar as it raises funds that the school needs for the entire year. We are always grateful to local business for donations of raffle prizes and the island always gives holiday and meal prizes as well.

As the school PTA is a tiny one, we are always in need of donations and volunteers and several seasonal campers can always be relied upon to help man the stalls.

All donations, baked goods or offers of help for the rescheduled event will be gratefully received.

Watch this space for a new date.