Clapton Girls convince Roland Muldoon and the Arcola’s Nick Connaughton they have talent

Vocalists, musicians, dance troupes and indie bands showcased their “mind-blowing” talent in a Hackney school talent show judged by the Arcola’s Nick Connaughton and theatrical impresario Roland Muldoon.

Pupils from Clapton Girls’ Academy impressed the judges, with singer Zara Hennessey and AC Dancers Nikel Brissett, Jessie Kande, Nattily Nash and Bervic Kabongo taking the top prizes.

Pianist Eirini Zompou and ukulele duet Beatrix Webb and Bella Harter came in as runners-up in the Clapton’s Got Talent show.

Mr Connaughton who heads community engagement at the theatre in Ashwin Street, Dalston, said: “It takes real bravery to stand on a stage and deliver; congratulations to every girl who had the courage to perform.”

Mr Muldoon, who has written a book about the 20 years he spent managing the Hackney Empire along with his wife Claire, agreed.

“It was a sensational night’s entertainment, with a stage full of talent and a hall full of enthusiastic supporters,” he said.

“The talent in our school is mind-blowing” added pupil Deborah Ajulo who was MC at the event last Thursday.

The evening raised over £1,500 for extracurricular activities at the school in Laura Place.