Pupils at the Albert Pye and Ravensmere Schools Federation in Beccles packed the school hall and wowed two evening audiences with their performance of The Wizard of Oz.
 
Children from Years 1 to 6 within the Albert Pye and Ravensmere Federation were invited to audition for roles.
 
Over 140 children applied and auditioned and this was whittled down to a cast of 43 pupils.
 
The cast worked tirelessly, under the watchful eye of teachers Miss Grint and Ms Wilkinson, over the past term to rehearse for the show.
 
The whole school, including the nursery-age children, attended the dress rehearsal before the two ticketed evening performances.
 
The children had professional programmes made and sold advertising spaces to local companies; this funded professional lighting and sound equipment, giving the show a polished and slick feel.  
 
The event saw the whole Albert Pye and Ravensmere Federation community coming together and getting involved to help out.
 
Staff rallied together to support the pupils’ production, helping with staging and technical support and the Parent Teacher and Friends Association and Year 6 children sold refreshments during the intervals.
 
The Wizard of Oz performances were part of a week of music and culture at the Federation, with pupils also experiencing a Bollywood/Bhangra dance workshop, an African drumming workshop and a Samba band workshop.
 
Children in Year 5 also performed a medley of African themed dance and drumming to their families and local charities on Friday to celebrate their recent trip to the Lion King West End show which was funded by the Townsland Trust . 
 
Head teacher of Albert Pye and Ravensmere Schools Federation, Louise Creed, said: "The children put on an incredible production of The Wizard of Oz and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
 
“Their talent and creativity lit up the stage - it truly was a magical performance and a joy to watch.
 
“I would like to thank Miss Grint and Ms Wilkinson whose hard work made this production possible, as well as the local businesses who sponsored us and all our families for coming along to support the show.” 
 
Lynsey Holzer, Chief Executive Officer at The Active Learning Trust, said: “It was a great privilege to watch this performance alongside the federation’s community and to witness the children’s acting talent. 
 
“The professionalism and passion of everyone involved in staging this show made it a truly memorable evening.”