Bournemouth academy take part in Hairspray stage production (From Thisisdorset)

Bournemouth academy take part in Hairspray stage production

3:00pm Saturday 13th October 2012 in Latest By Melanie Vass

BEEHIVES and minidresses are the new uniform at a Bournemouth academy, as more than 100 students take part in an ambitious production of Hairspray.

The Bishop of Winchester Academy has been temporarily transformed into 1960s Baltimore as pupils perform the smash-hit musical.

A cast of 98 pupils from Years Seven to 11 are taking to the stage while even more are working behind the scenes, making it the biggest production ever staged by the academy.

Drama teacher Briony Smith said: “We have been rehearsing since May. It’s taken a long time because Hairspray is quite a complex musical. It’s not simple and takes quite a while to put it all together.

“I chose it simply because I like it and it does pull in audiences.

“When you’re trying to sell tickets it’s important to choose a popular show and Hairspray is popular with students and their families and with people outside school.

“The students have enjoyed themselves – they’ve had a lot of fun.”

The show launched on Wednesday, when 500 local primary school pupils were invited to the academy to be a test audience.

“They loved it, they were up dancing by the end of it,” said Briony.

“Further performances were held on Thursday, Friday and the final one will be at 5pm on Saturday at 5pm. Tickets will be available for purchase on the door for this performance. It’s been a lot of work but we’re excited about it,” she added.