Casterton School presented the musical Half a Sixpence to packed and appreciative audiences in March 1990.

In the production, which proved an ideal choice for a school which could muster musical and dramatic talent, they were joined by boys from Sedbergh School, who took the male roles.

The show is a musical version of H.G.Wells’ book Kipps. Mark Umbers gave a polished performance of great zest and panache in the title role and his childhood sweetheart, Ann Pornick, was captured delightfully by Olivia Collins.

SHOW: Pupils of Casterton School during a dress rehearsal scene from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, presented in conjunction with Sedbergh School in 1986. Back row, from left: Rachel Cove, Antonia Huddy and Claire Pilkington. Front row: Dawn Begg,

SHOW: Pupils of Casterton School during a dress rehearsal scene from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, presented in conjunction with Sedbergh School in 1986. Back row, from left: Rachel Cove, Antonia Huddy and Claire Pilkington. Front row: Dawn Begg,

A chance encounter with would-be playwright Chitterlow, played convincingly by Richard Hodgkinson, leads Kipps to inherit a fortune. Lucy Moggridge played the part of Helen Walsingham, with whom Kipps falls in love as his social status rises.

Her mother, Caroline Moses, and the brother who speculates and loses Kipps’ fortune, Jacob Ranson, were the essence of high society.

The many changes of scene were indicated by a revolving set. An excellent instrumental ensemble, directed from the piano by Alexa Wightman, provided vigorous accompaniment.

The director was Angela Lavers.

Casterton School swept the board at the Kendal Business and Professional Women’s Club public speaking competition for senior schoolgirls in 1990.

They competed against schools from Bentham, Cartmel Priory, Kirkbie Kendal and Queen Katherine.

PLAY: A scene from Casterton and Sedbergh joint schools’ production of The Matchgirls in 1987.

PLAY: A scene from Casterton and Sedbergh joint schools’ production of The Matchgirls in 1987.

The school’s speech title was ‘An Alternative Choice,’ about medicine, and Casterton won the Yorkshire Bank Shield and book tokens, while chairman Margaret Kirkham won the shield for best speaker.

Casterton’s speaker was Jenny Sebastian and the vote of thanks was given by Heather Dixon.

Students from Casterton School were pipped at the post in the final of the Young Enterprise Cumbria final in 1994.

They were among youngsters from five schools who competed for the title. Sixth formers from St Benedicts RC School were named overall winners.

MUSIC: Casterton Chamber Trio was due to play music by Ibert in the Purcell Room on London’s South Bank in July 1985

MUSIC: Casterton Chamber Trio was due to play music by Ibert in the Purcell Room on London’s South Bank in July 1985

Pupils set up their own business for a year and were judged on their performance at the end of the trading period.

The Casterton School business, called Venus, made a variety of products from cushions to scrunchies, bean frogs and necklaces.Venus, made a variety of products from cushions to scrunchies, bean frogs and necklaces.