Audiences were dazzled when the 35-strong cast plus a live orchestra proved they could Climb Every Mountain to reach the heights at four sellout evenings, plus a matinee for primary school pupils. Curriculum leader for music Debbie Workman was musical director and members of the audience whistled and sang along to some of their Favourite Things.

Pupils had been rehearsing since last September and their hard work and talent was obvious for all to see. The show starred sixth formers Caitlin O’Regan as Maria and Nicholas Verspeak as Captain Georg von Trapp.

Curriculum leader for drama Duncan Ellis and drama teacher James Kirkman directed and produced the show. Mr Ellis said: “As Max Detweiler in the play says, we are unbelievably pleased and proud of the pupils’ terrific performances. It’s an epic and our cast showed that they were more than capable of the task; to bring everything together like we did was one of the highlights of my teaching career.”

Headteacher Jan Hatherell added: “This was an incredibly ambitious performance both on stage and by the orchestra, fantastically coached and mentored by drama, music and dance. My thanks go to all these departments as well as the technical and front of house teams.”

Refreshments were provided by the Year 13 cast of O Glorious Youth! in aid of their performances at this summer’s Edinburgh Festival.

The school would like to thank the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity for their donation towards the costs.