CHILDREN from three Forest schools took over Lydney Town Hall for two nights last week to put on an all-singing, all-dancing Christmas show.

The youngsters of Blakeney, Pillowell and Walmore Hill schools came together for What Pantomime? a mash-up of some of the UK’s favourite pantomimes.

The show, which featured 40 pupils and was the finale of a drama week initiative at the three federated schools, was a huge hit with friends and parents who packed out the town hall.

As well as helping come up with the plot and being on stage, the pupils also helped create the sets, posters, banners and tickets for the show.

It started off with Robinson Crusoe and took the audience on a trip through other favourites including Jack and the Beanstalk, Robin Hood, Snow White and Cinderella.

Headteacher Mr Brett Stevenson said there had been many challenges, including transport and technical issues but they had been overcome.

He told the audience after Wednesday’s performance: “The actors have only been practising on the stage for three hours and a day and the singers and dancers only joined us on Monday.

“It really has been a workshop and that’s what we wanted to achieve – for the children to experience putting on a show.

“There have been changes all the way through but the children have been so adaptable.

“All the staff have put their heart and soul into this and it really has been an experience.”

He also thanked the trustees of Lydney Town Hall for accommodating the show.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.