STUDENTS at Lydney's Whitecross School went over the rainbow for their third whole school production, 'The Wizard of OZ'.

Members of Lydney CofE Primary School also took part in the show, giving them a great opportunity to work with the older students.

Led by head of performing arts Sarah Hall, students and staff alike have worked solidly since October, encompassing rehearsals at lunchtimes, after school, half term and even Mother's Day!

All of the hard work eventually paid off with three sold-out shows. The audiences were wowed by the adventures of Dorothy (Frankie D'Amato), Scarecrow (Sam Horton), Tinman (Clark Osell) and the Cowardly Lion (Will Maple) as they journeyed to the Emerald City to see the wonderful Wizard (Liam Jones) – all hindered along the way by the Wicked Witch of the West (Shannon Cherry).

"For a number of our Year 11 students who have been in all three productions so far, this will mark the end of an illustrious school stage career, and we hope that they go on to keep performing wherever life takes them next," said a school spokesman.

"There were many memorable experiences for all, including a backstage nosebleed, the case of the missing axe, and epic attack on the Wizard on the last night (the prop was completely destroyed!) but everyone will take from this the lasting memory of a team who worked together to produce something amazing – something that made people go 'Wow!'"