IT was the West End production which saw students at a Alresford school excel.

For the past nine months pupils at Perins School have worked non-stop to stage the Phantom of the Opera.

The ambitious project was made up of 120 Perins students forming the cast, orchestra and backstage team.

The pupils were spurred on when they received a personal note from Andrew Lloyd Webber wishing them luck, and the cast of the West End musical also made a good-luck video courtesy of ex-Perins student Daisy Hulbert who plays the leading role.

The Main Hall was transformed into an incredible set, where the audiences stepped back in time into the opera house of the Paris Opera Populaire. Stage Production Company, M3 Technology, worked tirelessly to build the set which has all the special effects inspired from the West End production, including a flying chandelier and a motorised boat. They are also responsible for all technical aspects of the production including the lighting, sound and pyrotechnics.

Director of the Creative Arts Department , Marilitsa Alexiou said: “I have been astounded by the maturity and dedication demonstrated by these pupils, both through their talents and their extraordinary sense of creative ambition. They have shown a great sense of responsibility both to one another and also the staff who have worked with them.”

Head Teacher Steve Jones said, “I can honestly say that this performance not only surpasses any school performance I have ever seen but genuinely rivals many professional productions.

"I am incredibly proud of the students and staff for their hard work, dedication and talents shown throughout this process.”

The production was hailed as a huge success and received positive feedback

Writer and creator of Musicals4kidz, John Gleadall saw the production, he said “Congratulations to all involved. In over forty years involvement with school and youth theatre productions I have never seen such an ambitious musical production in a school.

"How brilliant to have a Performing Arts team who are dedicated enough to mount such a production and a leadership team, who must be bursting with pride, who can see the value of such a venture. Bravo, I applaud you to the rafters.”