Laughs-a-plenty as Mossbank pupil heads to national joke competition final

4 June 2024 13:35

A PUPIL from Mossbank Primary School is set to raise a laugh on the national stage this week after qualifying for the final of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ (RCSLT) VoiceBox joke competition.

A young person with short, light-brown hair wears a grey and black jacket. They look directly at the camera, smiling slightly, standing against a plain beige background.

Alexander Marchant.

VoiceBox is a nationwide contest for primary schools designed to shine a spotlight on the crucial role communication plays in a child’s development.

Alexander Marchant, from primary seven, impressed local judges with a joke that was graded on originality, delivery and its punchline, and has already won £100 worth of HarperCollins books for making it this far.

Alexander was crowned best in Shetland – earning a place in the grand final at the Scottish Parliament, where a total of 28 finalists from across the country will compete.

The final will be hosted by presiding officer Alison Johnstone MSP, with Zara Janjua, a BBC journalist and comedian, compering the event on Thursday (6 June).

Finalists are in with the chance of winning £500’s worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school for first place, and £200’s worth of books for their school for second and third place.

The top three winners will also receive a £100 toy gift card to add to their prizes.

Glenn Carter, a spokesperson for the event, said: “This competition isn’t just about making people laugh; it’s about showing how important good speaking skills are for success in school and later in life.

“VoiceBox shows how valuable it is for kids to learn how to communicate well. Helping them now sets them up for a better future.”