STUDENTS at Beamont Collegiate Academy have been earning rave reviews for their Shakespeare production at a top Manchester theatre.

A total of 31 students from each school year took part in a 30-minute performance of the Tempest at the Contact Theatre on Oxford Road as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

The headline production was described as a ‘gripping’ by one of the festival organisers.

Pupils from the Long Lane school acted, worked as stage managers and offered technical support with lighting and sound.

Jason Parkes, venue director at the Shakespeare Schools Festival, said: “Congratulations to the cast and crew of Beamont Collegiate Academy on their wonderful production of the Tempest at the Contact Theatre.

“The production was playful, powerful and exciting – huge congratulations to all the cast and crew who made it happen.

“The cast were totally in sync – they told the story in a creative and tightly choreographed way and conjured fantastic images of the island, propelling the audience into the world of play.

“The tormenting of Caliban was handled with maturity – a lovely balance was struck between moving movements of Caliban creeping and cowering against the drunk Stephano and the comedy of the ensuing scene.

“The technical elements of the production were impressive – the technical students created stunning scenes to enhance the story through lighting and sound.”

Jason also highlighted a ‘real sense of danger’ conveyed through vocal work and said that end of the play was ‘deep and thoughtful’.

He added: “I’d also like to commend the cast on their focus and professionalism throughout the day, which hugely impressed me.

“This was an accomplished and original production – I hope to see Beamont Collegiate Academy in the festival again next year.”

Plans are already afoot for the Longford school to take part in next year’s festival, while rehearsals for a production of Oliver are well underway having attracted a record-breaking 107 students auditioning.

The performing arts department is also set to move into new facilities at the school.

Head of department Henrietta Curwen said: “The performing arts department at Beamont Collegiate Academy is thriving and the students are extremely dedicated and talented – we can’t wait to move into the new build where the facilities for the arts are fantastic.”