IAN CLARKE Youngsters who won wide acclaim for an ambitious musical at their school will soon be performing it again – at one of Norfolk's top theatres.

IAN CLARKE

Youngsters who won wide acclaim for an ambitious musical at their school will soon be performing it again – at one of Norfolk's top theatres.

Northgate High School in Dereham is celebrating the news that Over Here – a show set in wartime Britain – will have a four-night run at the Norwich Playhouse from July 6-9.

The production was specially written for Northgate by Charles Garland, who worked for many years for the BBC and produced comedy series Oh Doctor Beeching.

Over Here got rave reviews when it was staged at the school in early April, and among those who were impressed were former Dad's Army co-writer David Croft and Private Pike actor Ian Lavender.

The whole 170-strong cast and stage team from the school as well as the ambitious set will transfer to the Norwich venue next month.

Show director and Northgate head of drama Jim Rymer said: “It is fantastic news and a very, very big thing for the school. The children are getting the opportunity to perform in the second biggest theatre in Norwich. It will give great exposure to them.”

Over Here tells the story of an East Anglian woman whose husband is called up for wartime service and she falls for a dashing American airman.

The final Playhouse performance will come the night before the commemorations to mark the end of the war.

Mr Garland said: “It could not be better timing.

“I am delighted and it says a lot about the professionalism of the kids. Some of my friends who came to see the show at the school could not believe their discipline and how professional they were.”

Tickets for the show are available from the Norwich Theatre Royal box office on 01603 598598.