The school’s production was held over three nights, and supported by a live band led by local musician Phillip Davey. Headteacher Penny Shilston said she was “in awe of the children’s talents” and praised the school’s dedicated staff for the energy and enthusiasm they put into the production, under the guidance of director David Crocker and Musical Directors Alana Mullen and Natalie Rutherford.

During the week of their performances, the children were excited to receive a visit from a special visitor – Any Dream Will Do‘s Ben James-Ellis, who reached the semi-finals of the BBC TV search to find a Joseph to appear in the 2007 West End revival of the show.

Ben was treated to a selection of songs from Joseph by the children, who then joined him in singing one of the main numbers, ‘Close Every Door’. Ben told school staff that he had been amazed by the children’s singing – and that they were easily the best Joseph choir he had heard to date.

Photo c. James Kitto