THE show did go on for students at Ringwood School despite their performance being delayed after their outdoor stage was damaged in a storm.

In February this year, the school was forced to postpone its sell-out show Starlight Express after Storm Imogen swept the country and caused severe damage to the school's marquee theatre.

Following a huge clean-up operation, a new date for the show was set with students able to show off their singing, dancing, and roller skating talent.

They performed the show in a bespoke theatre in the school grounds consisting of tiered seating, a bar, and a custom-built race track for the races within the show.

Producer Ian Hawkins said: “When we realised the Starlight Express theatre was not going to recover from the storm in February, staff and students were heart-broken.

“Seeing the songs come to life – on wheels – and on this enormous new stage, was exhilarating and enormously rewarding. I must have one of the best jobs in the world.”

One audience member said: “The audience were totally awe-struck. We didn't know what to say to each other except, ‘That was amazing’.

“Thank you, students so much for the time, effort and expertise you have put into making this production so incredible.”