PERINS School in Alresford has announced that will stage an annual production and move it to the Grange Park Theatre at Northington following “secret meetings.”

The school has just enjoyed an acclaimed run of Beauty and the Beast staged in a large marquee on the school grounds.

It has been staging ambitious productions every two years including Oliver Twist and Les Miserables.

In a statement, the school said: “Over the past seven years, we have worked hard to give students a West End experience that they will never forget, and consequently, our productions have outgrown our school hall.

“We were lucky enough to outsource an incredible venue for Beauty and the Beast this year; however, the site was temporary, leaving us with the question of where we go from here.

“We have listened to the student voice, which stated very clearly that they would like a show every year. Previously, we would have been unable to sustain this; however, the reputation of the Perins students and their excellence in Creative Arts has not gone unnoticed in the community.”

The school has announced that from next year it will stage its annual show at the theatre, the venue for opera for the last 20 years.

Perins said: “Since October, we have had secret meetings with The Grange. They have been so impressed with the talent, commitment and dedication of our students, that they have offered us a place in their renowned Grange Festival summer programme, so we are delighted to announce that our 2019 production will be performed in this prestigious venue. We are pleased to take our invaluable partnership with M3 Productions with us on this exciting venture.”