STUDENTS at a school in Bournemouth held their summer production of A New World at Poole Lighthouse.

The 140 students from LeAF Studio in West Howe raised the roof in front of sell out audiences.

The production, which was created in just 12 weeks, was well received by the local community and was one of Lighthouse’s first performances since the end of most Covid restrictions.

A New World showcased musical theatre, acting, singing and dance, performed by current students in Year 9 through to sixth form at LeAF, including a handful of alumni who didn’t get the chance to perform last year before they left.

A review of the production by Wildfire Arts read: “The pace was relentless, the costume changes demanding and the show itself was well over three hours in length. Yet every single performer made it look incredibly easy and effortless, with a professionalism way beyond their years.”

Billie Aplin and Geoff Lake, heads of performing arts, said: “Words simply cannot explain how unbelievably proud of the students we are.

“They’ve faced so much during Covid and whilst producing the show with us, including working in bubbles and the dreaded positive cases — so much so that many students and staff were isolating over recent weeks. This, however, did not discredit our amazing team of staff and students who have worked tirelessly and so passionately to produce the show.”

Nadine Lapskas, LeAF Studio’s principal said: “Theatres worldwide fell quiet in 2020 and the moment the government announced that there was a chance of theatres opening again and performances resuming, Billie, Geoff and the performing arts team just knew they had to produce a live show for our students, parents and the local community.

“The focus and commitment shown by both students and staff, following what has been a tough 16 months in education for everyone, has been above and beyond all expectations.”

LeAF Studio students return to Lighthouse again next July for their summer showcase.