Some Norfolk school pupils have been taking to the stage to star in a new production of a classic opera at Norwich Theatre Royal.
The children from Arden Grove Infant and Nursery School and Firside Junior School joined the English Touring Opera cast in a production of Puccini's Tosca at the city venue on Thursday and Friday.
The show tells the story of Floria Tosca, the wife of a painter who is called upon to hide an escaped political prisoner, and the pupils played the roles of 19th century choristers who were part of a procession in a spooky and sombre scene at the end of act one.
Ahead of their starring roles, the children had worked hard in rehearsals at school with the help of the opera company's education team.
John Bultitude, from Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'The students from both schools gave an incredible performance.
'They had done a lot of work in school learning the songs and ensuring their performance was top notch before honing their performance during a technical rehearsal prior to first night.
'Their debut Tosca performance was fantastic with all of them giving 100 per cent.
'As well as showing complete dedication to getting everything right, their confidence has also rocketed and they have learned the value of team-work too.'
Amy Francis, class teacher at Arden Grove, said: 'This has been such a fantastic opportunity for all of the children involved and they have been able to experience something many young people could only dream of achieving.
'They have worked extremely hard to not only learn their songs, but to take stage directions, project their voices and practice their breathing techniques, all whilst singing in Italian!
'On top of rehearsals, the children have also been lucky enough to visit Norwich Theatre Royal for a backstage tour.'
The production of Tosca was directed by Blanche McIntyre and conducted by ETO's musical director Michael Rosewell.
English Touring Opera is also presenting Gilbert and Sullivan's all-singing, all-dancing comedy Patience tonight at 7.30pm at Norwich Theatre Royal.
Tickets £8-£37.50.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.
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