A CAST of over 50 dedicated students at Matravers School in Westbury are preparing for the opening night of their yearly school theatrical extravaganza.

Every year the drama department pulls out all the stops to put on a musical production with a live band, artistic scenery and staging with a cast of budding young actors, dancers and singers from year 7 to 13.

This year, the school are performing a Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast.

Directing the production is drama teacher Liam Giffords who is very proud of how well the students have committed themselves.

He said: “The students have been amazing, and don’t know just how good they are.

“They are so professional, committed and enthusiastic, and the set was also made by them and we have some students working backstage.

“We chose Beauty and the Beast as we have done some really well known musicals in the last few years, our last one was Oliver, but it has been ages since we have done a Disney production, and it was a popular choice.”

The school focuses on drama as one of it’s main subjects and always encourages students to explore their artistic talents.

Year 12 student Maddie Hewitt, who is playing Belle said: “I’ve been performing in shows since I was little and I just love the buzz you get from it.

“I just enjoy it so much, so it’s great to be able to bring that to a production at the school.”

Joey Medway, in year 13 who is playing the Beast said: “This is something really fun and rewarding to do at school.

“This is the forth production I have done at school, but sadly it will be last as I will be leaving next year.

“Although I did drama at GCSE, I do quite academic subjects at A-level but still have a love for drama, so this is a good way to still be involved in the drama department at school.”

The students will be performing every evening at the school from Wednesday November 29 to Friday December 1 at 7pm, with an additional earlier viewing at 6pm on Tuesday November 28 when young children will be encouraged to come in Disney dress up and will have the opportunity to meet Belle and other characters after the show.

Tickets are £6 or £4 for concessions and are available to buy from Matravers box office on 01373 824283.