THERE was plenty of traditional singing, dancing and jokes when a Calne school put on a pantomime, but there was also a very modern message.

Children at St Margaret’s Preparatory School performed Sleeping Beauty - The Ugly Truth to packed audiences on Thursday and Friday evenings and received rapturous applause.

But both cast and audience members were left pondering at the thought that there is far more to people than the way they look, and in this era of cult shows where appearance plays such a big part, kindness is a far more important quality.

Edgy Productions who provided the script said: “When Bella Vista, a kingdom obsessed with looks, trendy fashions and celebrity gossip, falls foul of a witch’s curse, it’s down to a humble gardener, armed only with green fingers and good intentions, to save the day.

“With fantastic songs and a hilarious script, this delightful twist on a popular fairy tale hammers home the message that top-notch clothes and hairstyles are no substitute for an honest heart full of love.”

Year 3 pupils Georgie and Henry who played courtiers both agreed that their favourite scene was when Wanda (the wicked fairy) predicts that Princess Tiffany will fall into a deep sleep on her 21st birthday.

Hilary Gibbin head of performing arts at St Margaret’s said: ”Children from Years 3 and 4 have been rehearsing since the start of term. The message is that that life shouldn’t be all about appearance. It is a pantomime with a modern twist.

“All of the children had a fantastic time and the standard of their performance was extremely high. On Tuesday they performed a dress rehearsal for the whole school and everyone loved it. I am proud of them all.”