An evening of entertaining recitals at this year's Bentley Elocution Prize Competition

The annual Bentley Elocution Prize Competition took place on Monday 19th February, 2024 in the Barnes Theatre.   

The enduring appeal of this competition ensured a large field who had survived the preliminary heats to come forward to recite their chosen poems before an expectant audience. 

Mr Bandy was in charge of proceedings this year and he ensured that the evening passed smoothly and pleasantly, producing one of the most successful and popular competitions in recent memory.  The Third Form proved an attentive and appreciative audience and a supportive and genial atmosphere ensured that all the competitors, even those who found the pressure of performance a little daunting, enjoyed the event. 

The Bentley Elocution Prizes are awarded in memory of Thomas Bentley, who served the School for over 50 years and is commemorated by a window on the south side of the School Chapel. Noted for his enthusiasm for reading and his fine voice, Bentley introduced ‘Penny Readings’ in 1867, which may be regarded as the origin of the Bentley Elocution Competition.  

This year’s judge was Luke Kennard, award-winning poet and novelist, and lecturer in the Department of Film and Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham. His adjudication was swift, sensitive and engagingly delivered.  He offered all the finalists his encouragement, advice and sincere appreciation, to conclude an enjoyable evening with his carefully considered judgements.   

The Third Form winner was Edward D (S) for his recitation of David Harsent’s poem, The Usual Suspects.  Ely A (M) was highly commended for her recitation of Maya Angelou’s Still, I Rise. 

The Fourth Form winner was Andrew L (R) for his recitation of The Seven Ages of Man speech form Shakespeare’s As You Like It.  Oliver R (R) was highly commended for his performance of If by Rudyard Kipling. 

The Fifth and Sixth Form winner was Emily M (MSH) for her excellent and moving recitation of W H Auden’s Refugee Blues.  Grace D (MSH) chose Margaret Atwood’s Woman Skating, for which she was highly commended. 

Of course, congratulations go to all the finalists and the worthy winners.  However, special mention should also be made of Sakura F (MSH, III) and Lulu G (QEH, IV) who recited poems they had written themselves.  Our thanks are also extended to all the competitors, their supporters, the judge and Mr Bandy for providing us with such excellent entertainment to launch the second half of term in such style. 

Kristina Leslie

Head of English