WELLACRE Academy hosted its annual production to mark the start of the festive season.

This year, the academy put on 'Oliver'. The staff and students from year seven to 11 performed across three nights working both onstage and behind the scenes.

Miss Spencer, leader of creative technologies, and Miss O’Neill, leader of humanities, produced and directed the show with auditions in the summer term and rehearsals starting as soon as students returned in September

Miss O’Neill, said: “We were delighted that several Year 7s arrived at Wellacre in September keen to join in our musical community and take on roles as paupers and Fagans’ boys.

"Everyone from Wellacre’s theatre group have made friendships across different year groups, as well as gaining performance and technical skills, increasing their confidence and, most importantly, having fun!”

As part of Wellacre’s transition programme to engage students in secondary life, all of the academy’s Year 7 sang in the choir on at least one of the three evening performances.

Oliver was last performed at Wellacre eight years ago, and former student Joe Meighan who played Fagan has since graduated from drama school in London and heads up his own youth theatre company, Meighan Youth Theatre.

Miss O’Neill adds: "We hope our budding actors are inspired by Joe Meighan’s achievements!”

Miss Wicks, Principal, said: “The quality of the production of Oliver is testament to the teamwork, commitment and determination of Wellacre students and staff.

"Thanks to local primary children who enjoyed the dress rehearsal and to those winning family tickets to the live shows. Wellacre would also like to thank Sale Nomads who kindly provided props and scenery."