Stagecoach Swindon gave its students the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rehearse and perform a new show written by a Hollywood screenwriter.

More than 80 students between the ages of eight and 18 took part in the week-long workshop which culminated in an exclusive performance of Rock the School.

Hollywood actress and screenplay writer Diz White wrote the musical piece especially for Stagecoach Swindon.

She said: “I was so impressed to work with such a talented group of youngsters.

"It was a delight to watch them thrive over the course of the workshop and they gave the performance their all."

Students had four days to prepare and rehearse for the performance earlier this month.

The children performed a medley of rock and pop songs including classics by the likes of Queen, Alice Cooper and Tina Turner, as well as more modern numbers by Pink and The Killers.

Younger students aged four to seven had the chance to take part in the excitement by kicking off proceedings with a Mary Poppins mash-up.

They sang songs from the classic 1964 film along with new songs featured in the 2018 sequel Mary Poppins Returns.

Stagecoach Swindon principal Genna Nunn organised the workshop.

She said: “Opportunities like this don’t come around often, so it was wonderful to see all the students taking part and loving every minute.

"They really engaged with the rehearsals, and showcased key team building and creative skills, but most of all everyone had a lot of fun.

"At Stagecoach, we are committed to teaching children creative courage for life and I am certain this experience will stay with them long after the performance.”

Off the back of this summer success, Stagecoach Swindon will be offering a free taster session of its early stages classes for three-to-six-year-olds and main stages classes for children aged six to18-years-old on September 6.

The school is celebrating the opening of a brand new facility at Great Western Academy in North Swindon later this year.

Stagecoach Performing Arts Swindon is part of a network of more than 1800 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide.

Diz White has starred in children’s films including Garfield: a Tail of Two Kitties and Eragon, and wrote the show El Grande de Coca-Cola which was televised by HBO and earned her a New York Critics Drama Desk Award.

For more information about Stagecoach Swindon, visit stagecoach.co.uk/swindon or call 07850 141 381.