TALENTED Stourport High School students will be hitting the high notes when they take to the stage in their first performance in three years.

A strong cast, including Nathanael Saleh, who starred in the blockbuster film Mary Poppins Returns, are busy rehearsing their version of Matilda! The Musical.

Students were devastated when the first Covid lockdown forced the cancellation of their National Theatre Connections production in March 2020.

But Lily Crumpton, head of performing arts, said everyone was “over the moon” to be back rehearsing for a stage show.

She said: “We are so excited to finally be able to showcase our wonderfully talented students after waiting such a long time.

“Our students were devastated when we had to cancel the show in 2020 so close to the performance dates.”

The production, on March 30 and 31 will feature a double cast, with year 7 Imogen Maybury and year 10 Daisy Field both taking the title role, plus year 7 Emily Hanmer as Amanda Thripp.

The cast also includes head girl Katie Webber and GCSE drama student, Maddie Jarvis, both year 11, as Miss Honey, Nathanael Saleh, who has also appeared in TV’s Games of Thrones and is studying dance and drama at Stourport High, has been cast as Agatha Trunchbull along with school president Izzy Brooks from year 13. 

Former GCSE drama student Matthew Burford, who now studies at Stage and Screen, is returning to support backstage.

Mrs Crumpton added: “The performing arts team is so proud of the 43 students in the cast and crew, who range from year 7s to year 13s. They have really helped to bring the drama block back to life.”