SPONSORED BY THE ARGUS APPEAL

Winner: Jasmine Pearce BUDDING producer Jasmine Pearce saw her creation come to life on stage after she wrote, directed and produced a play – all at the age of 13.

The Varndean School student produced Hartford Academy, a play about two siblings forced to attend a boarding school after their mother’s death, and all profits went to The Rockinghorse Appeal.

Jasmine said: “I’m really surprised – I didn’t think I’d win after hearing all the other nominations and hearing the amazing work that they’d done.”

Jasmine’s talents as a director and producer landed her in a position to raise money for charity, and she wants to carry on.

She added: “I’ve always loved doing it and I’ve always been a part of plays and stuff like that, but I wanted to do something a bit different.

“My mum asked me to try and write a play and I just thought “I’m only 13, I can’t”, but she said “go for it” so that’s what I did.

“I wrote one, showed my teachers and they asked if I wanted to put it on as the year seven play.”

Jasmine’s moment on the stage to collect her award was her second time in the limelight after performing with The Theatre Workshop’s choir earlier in the evening.