2027 Festival | Take the stage

Speech & Drama.

From first poems to original speeches and compelling scenes, there is a class for every voice. Be heard, tell your story and grow in confidence.

19–21 March 2027Entries close 31 JanuarySir Thomas Wharton Academy

Explore 64 Speech & Drama classes Meet the adjudicator

Explore the classes

Find the right class

Explore the four sections below, including 2027 class descriptions, age groups, time limits and entry fees.

01Poetry & spoken wordWrite Your Own Poem, set poems, own-choice poetry, sonnets and humorous verse 02Speaking & readingPrepared prose, storytelling, original stories and impromptu speaking 03PresentationNews presentation and original public speaking 04Acting & theatreDuologues, devised scenes, dramatic and comic solos, Shakespeare and group drama

Taking a Set Poem class?

Your 2027 set poems

Classes 6–10: explore the poem options for your age group, read the full texts and practise your chosen piece.

Read the set poems

A few things to check

Before you enter

Once you have found a section that interests you, check the individual class requirements and the Festival Regulations.

Step 1

Check the class details

Browse the complete class list to confirm age groups, fees, time limits and performance requirements, including any set texts or original work.

View Speech & Drama classes

Step 2

Read the regulations

Check eligibility, scripts, adjudicator copies and copyright requirements, especially for duologues and group performances.

Read the regulations

Prefer the complete booklet? View or download the 2027 syllabus (PDF)Request a free printed copy

Printed copies and postage are free, subject to availability. Please check online classes and regulations for the latest details.

Experienced, encouraging feedback

Your 2027 adjudicator

Speech & Drama

Peter Dayson Cert Ed, LGSM, BFRD

We are delighted to welcome Peter back. With over 50 years in theatre as an actor, director, producer and writer, he brings a lifetime of experience to every performance.

Meet Peter and our adjudicators

Recognising effort, skill and creativity

Celebrating your achievements

Medals and trophies

Medals are offered across the classes, with named trophies and some additional awards recognising outstanding performances. See each class for its specific prize details.

Harry Cutts Trophy

At the close of the Festival, the adjudicator will select one outstanding performer from across the weekend as the Speech & Drama Overall Winner and receive the Harry Cutts Trophy.

New for 2027: The winner will also receive a £75 gift voucher.

BBC Radio Sheffield

The News Presentation classes are supported by BBC Radio Sheffield. A studio tour is also offered to the overall winner of these classes.

Wondering what your adjudication mark means? Understanding your mark

Lily, overall winner of the 2026 Speech and Drama section, with her awards.

Celebrating the 2026 Festival

Lily, overall Speech & Drama winner.

Lily was the overall winner of our 2026 Speech & Drama section, recognised as its most outstanding performer. She also received the Mary Barton award for solo acting.

See our 2026 highlights

A little extra inspiration

With thanks to our supporters

Generous organisations are supporting the 2027 Speech & Drama section with books, poetry resources and other donated items. Thank you for helping us celebrate young talent.

Ready to take the stage?

Speech & Drama entries close on 31 January 2027. Online entry is temporarily closed while we prepare the entry system; we’ll announce when it opens.

Online entry updates