Drama experts judged the 32nd House Drama Festival at Freman College in Buntingford. Mark Stephens, former director of the Actors Centre and director of human resources at Thames Televsion, and Louise Read, an accomplished public speaker specialising in

Drama experts judged the 32nd House Drama Festival at Freman College in Buntingford.

Mark Stephens, former director of the Actors' Centre and director of human resources at Thames Televsion, and Louise Read, an accomplished public speaker specialising in recreating historic characters watched a selection of plays among an audience of 350.

Pupils from each of the four houses - Butler, Hepworth, Mills, and Moore, staged a 30-minute play chosen, produced, directed, and performed entirely by students.

The overall winner of the festival was Hepworth.

Awards were given to Sophie North for best actress, Jeremy Lee for best actor, and Callum MacDonald for best cameo.

The award for best costumes went to Butler, and best stage management went to Mills.

Headteacher Helen Loughran said: "It was a fantastic evening. It was so impressive to see the professionalism of the students.

"They achieved remarkable standards in all aspects of their plays - not just the acting, but the direction, costumes, and set management.

"The adjudicators were really bowled over by the quality of the productions.

"The students really deserved the high praise they received.