MACBETH was a delight on December 15 at Chalk Ridge Primary School.

I enjoyed the concert, beautifully performed by Years 5 and 6.

Setting the scene were images of an entrance to a castle and steps leading upwards to the tower.

The headmaster, Derek Buckle, introduced the event, commending a fine achievement by children aged between nine and 11 years old.

He thanked the parents and teachers for heroic behind-the-scenes support.

An early scene takes place on a wild heath. Here, good fighting men were preparing for battle with Norwegian invaders.

In another scene, witches could be observed stirring a mysterious brew. They had strange painted faces and could be heard chanting: "All dreams come true in the witches brew."

They hailed Macbeth when he arrived on stage and the soldiers began singing: "Never a day so fair, never a day so foul."

In a later scene, we see Lady Macbeth at home and ambitious for her husband. She is determined he must be king.

This means King Duncan must be killed and children's voices chorused: "His Majesty will never see the morning."

On the heath, the weird sisters sing of a dream and Macbeth has a vision of a dagger in the air.

The deed has been done. We hear thunder and, again, see three witches around the cauldron, murmuring their predictions.

Three murderers in black sing: "Who says crime doesn't pay?"

In the castle, Lady Macbeth is found sleepwalking, always washing her hands.

Finally, Macduff holds Macbeth's head on high, true to the witch's prediction.

This was a memorable performance and thanks were proposed by Mr Patel, a new parent governor, who praised the marvellous production and dedicated work of children and staff.