GLAMOUR, glitz and golden statues were all on show as a North Yorkshire school celebrated its own unique Oscars event.
A star-studded cast of students from The Dales School, Morton-on-Swale, made their way down the red carpet to attend the premiere of their latest movie ‘A Touch of Poison’.
The 12 students, from the all-age special school, who each took a starring role in the production, then waited nervously to find out if they had won their very own Oscar in a black tie Hollywood-style awards ceremony.
Dales School assistant head Mike Sissons, who assisted the students with the post-production edit of the film, said: “This is our second Oscars ceremony following the screening of our very successful movie last year ‘Fleeing the War’.
“This year our students, who have created their very own media production company called The Dales Snappers, have produced an even more ambitious film with a bigger cast and have even created the music for the film.
“The whole project has been student-led, from the writing, acting, filming, directing and it’s wonderful that so many friends, family and members of the local community are here to share it with them tonight.”
The fantasy adventure movie, which takes place in the fictional Kingdom of Wardale, tells the tale of Chemas the Devil who plots to poison the beautiful Princess Bella. With the help of two time travellers the brave knight Ganley embarks on a quest to find the white witch who is the only one that can help him to save Bella.
Dozens of family and friends attended the awards ceremony in The Dales School hall, which was hosted by the executive principal of Northallerton Catterick Federation and Dales School vice chairman of governors Mick Hill.
Megan Peacock, who won best actress villain award, for her role a Chemas the Devil, was unable to attend the ceremony following a recent operation but was presented her Oscar by Mr Hill via a live satellite link to her home.
Additional entertainment for the evening was provided by nine of The Dales School students who performed a dance to music composed in conjunction with A level students at Northallerton College, which they had recently presented as part of a North Yorkshire Schools event at The Sage, Gateshead, and singer Emma Clarke who performed a medley of songs.
Head teacher Hanne Barton said: “Our Oscars evening has become a very important date in our school calendar.
“It’s wonderful to see all the hard work that the students have put in and that so many people are here to share it with them tonight.”
Student Ella Coulson, 16, of Romanby, who played the lead role of Princess Bella, added: “I really liked making the film but was very nervous on the night.”
Awards
Best actor in a supporting role – James Gill
Best actress in a romantic lead – Ella Coulson
Best camera work – Bethany Siddle
Best female newcomer – Cheryl McDonald
Best actor villain – Sam Mortimore
Best actress dramatic role – Chloe Thirling
Best actress villain – Megan Peacock
Best actress in a supporting role – Megan Gayle
Best actor in an action role – Thomas Cullen
Best male newcomer – Jake Burgess
Best original soundtrack – Emily Keeling and Daniel Coburn