A cast of some 150 students at The Boswells School, Chelmsford, took to the stage for a colourful production of ‘Seussical – The Musical’.

With backstage crew, make-up artists and technical support, some 170 students - from Years 7 to 13 - were involved with the show, which was performed to an audience of local primary school pupils.

Laura Willcox, the school’s Assistant Head of Performing Arts - who organised and directed the show - said: “We have been working on the show for only ten weeks.

“We hired the musical rights of Seussical and started work in September on the staging, singing, choreography and live orchestra to bring it to life for The Boswells School.

“This year we really tried to incorporate an equal amount of all disciplines within the performing arts - we had dance and production numbers, acting, singing and our wonderful live orchestra. 

"All of this was brought together by the set, make-up and lighting which was predominantly designed and executed by students.

"The school’s BTEC production students designed and produced the scenery, props and make-up and our music tech students operated the sound and lighting for the performances.”

She added: "It was an outstanding production and we are so proud of the students who gave such commitment and dedication to the process and performances. It was a challenge to use a live orchestra and the students worked doubly as hard to put their performance work to the live music but it was well worth it. 

"We have had such positive and lovely feedback and everyone involved should be so proud of what they have achieved."

There were a range of larger-than-life well-known Dr Seuss characters throughout the piece.

Taking the leading roles were Cat in the Hat, Paul French; Horton the Elephant, Daniel Hall; Jojo, Elyvia Palmer; Mr Mayor; Jordan Bowers and Mrs Mayor Elinor Dunton.