Students have been showcasing their performing skills taking on a classic fairy tale and making it their own.

Gresham's School students from years nine ten and eleven are hosting a production of Beauty and the Beast from Monday through to Wednesday at The Auden Theatre in the school grounds.

As well as acting on stage students have also been involved with every aspect of the play.

In total 50 students have been involved including helping backstage with make up, sound and scenery.

The school put on a production usually just before Easter and a musical involving all students at Christmas time.

Louise Futter, assistant drama director at the school, speaking about deciding on Beauty and the Beast as a production, said: 'It is something I chose because there are a lot of nice ideas in the play and this is a quirky interpretation of it. The students have really embraced it.'

Taking the lead roles are Taylor Skerritt as Beauty and George Ward as the Beast.

Mrs Futter said planning would now begin for the Christmas time production although they were waiting before making any firm decisions as a new head of music begins at the school in September.

The play runs from Monday through to Wednesday nightly at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10; £8 concessions.

For tickets and details phone the box office on 01263 713444 or log onto www.audentheatre.co.uk