Presenting a stunning performance of Rusalka, the Russian fairytale of a water nymph who fell in love with a prince who ultimately broke her heart and was cursed, Bomaderry High School was awarded the best set design and best character in costume, along with second place in the open division.

It finished behind MLC which put together a performance based on the disappearance of the Beaumont children

And the result has left Bomaderry High’s 100-strong cast, and about 20 people working behind the scenes, with a chance of being selected for the televised national final.

The school won the national final in 200 and finished third in 2001, with this year’s result continuing the school’s tradition of strong results in the competition.

Bomaderry High School’s principal Jill Appleton said the students and support crew put on “an absolutely stunning performance”.

And the judges “ran out of superlatives to describe the performance”, Ms Appleton said.

Co-produced by Chris Cook and Bomaderry High School’s new dance teacher Nirvana James, the performance told the story of a water nymph who fell in love with a prince, who also fell in love with her.

The nymph then gave up her immortality so she could be with the prince, but his roving eye led to him straying, breaking Rusalka’s heart.

She was then joined by other nymphs to cast a spell on the prince and his entourage, freezing them for eternity.

Ms Appleton said all members of the cast and crew had worked brilliantly together.

“They are just a fantastic group that really have worked so well together,” she said.

“They couldn’t have been more perfect on the night.”

Ms Appleton also praised the small army of teachers, parents and community members who had dedicated many hours to making sure the performance was such a success.

But the awards did not end there.

Before any of the performances took place on Thursday night three people from Bomaderry High School - Chris Cook, Lyn Stubbles and Rosie Lake - were presented with awards for more than 10 years each of supporting the rock eisteddfod.