SWINDON Academy students provided a taste of “Summer Nights” with a rocking production of Grease: The Musical.

Primary and secondary pupils made up the 124-strong company including cast members, musicians, stagehands and technicians for the show, which was a sell out on both nights.

Eleven members of staff worked with the youngsters to produce the spectacular, thought to be the school’s most confident performance so far.

Music director, Leigh Matthews said: “It has been a pleasure to work with everyone involved in this year’s show. With a larger cast than ever before we have faced a challenging task in putting it all together.

“However, we have had the help of fantastic students in roles such as assistant director, stage managers and costume and set design and the performing arts staff have worked together as a team to ensure everything goes smoothly.

“Evening rehearsals have been taking place regularly since September and weekend rehearsals since early December. I’m so proud of our students for their dedication and enthusiasm.

“They really have worked hard to put on an outstanding performance. Lead roles in this year’s performance have been attending university auditions and interviews during this busy rehearsal schedule, and I’m pleased to say that they have secured places to study music, drama and dance at degree level next year.”

Grease is the latest in a line of successful shows that includes We Will Rock You and Oliver.

Director Stewart Matthews added: “Grease has been a challenging road for some but we have pulled together as a school to put on what is clearly our finest performance yet. It has been quite the experience putting it all together and I hope everyone enjoyed the experience.”