AMONG those clapping the loudest at Manor Academy’s show at Waterside Arts in Sale, was Rik Waddon.

The cycling world champion and double Paralympian medallist at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, is the school’s ambassador.

You would never know that the 73 zestful performers on Thursday, July 12 and Friday July, 13 have special needs.

The Manor Rock, at Waterside Arts Centre is based on the School of Rock where a failing rock star becomes a supply teacher at a school where pupils are forbidden to study the arts.

He starts a band and eventually wins the head teacher round.

The supply teacher, Mr Schneebly, is played by a mature Luke Dodds. His fellow teacher is portrayed well by Charlotte Hall who has a lovely voice.

Whilst the children mime instruments Luke tells some of them they are in the band. Ken Kotey immediately transforms from a mime artist to a full blown percussionist.

No wonder along with two keyboard players and a guitarist, this fictional band win the Battle of the Bands competition 2018.

The real-life teachers participate too. In Any Way You Want it, they show off their own band – percussion, keyboard, guitar and violin, whilst four other teachers give vocal support.

The choral items by different age groups are performed with smiles and perfect timing, as the youngsters clap their hands above their heads and get the audience to follow suit.

Two songs put their success into words. One song pleads "I’ve got so much to share if only you would listen", and the other is the finale song to High School Musical.

These kids have so much to offer and we do, indeed, listen because the entire audience stand and do the actions in the finale.

Afterwards both the head teacher, Paul Eckley and Rik Waddon, praise staff and children for the magnificent show.

Star rating: * * *