STUDENTS at Farnham Heath End School showcased spectacular singing, acting and dancing talent with two sell-out performances of 1950s-set high school musical Grease.

The cast played to a packed school hall for their first night, on Thursday, March 14, and there was an extra buzz as stellar actor James Cosmo – best known for his role as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch in Game of Thrones – was in the audience, having given the cast an inspirational speech before they went on stage.

The second sellout show, which also saw a standing ovation, was attended by Farnham mayor David Attfield, who said it was one of the “most special” events he had attended in his mayoral year.

The production was a culmination of a huge amount of hard work with a five-month rehearsal schedule for the cast, and the wider school community devoting many hours to making the props and costumes.

Sixty students from all year groups starred in the production with the school’s cheerleading squad taking on a cameo role.

Former student Elizabeth Clive choreographed the show, with current students taking on lighting, stage and sound roles.

It was directed by head of drama Lisa Harms, drama teacher Ruth Townsend and head of music Ian Maynard, supported by student directors Alfie Gelder and Isabel Searle.

Credit also to Richard Edwards-Longhurst, stage manager, and Juliet Snedden, music teacher.

All scenery and props, including a stunning replica of the Grease Lightning car, were made on the school site by the art department, caretakers, DT teacher and technician, and the chair of governors, Rob Williams, who was also the show’s producer.

Costumes were made by parents Melanie Clive, Trudi Williams and Ria Searle.

Grease was the first part of a planned theatre transformation at FHES.

Thanks to generous donations from Farnham Lions, Farnham Institute and Farnham Hedgehogs, the show featured a new sound desk, lighting desk and radio mics.

The school plans to invest profits into its performance space so it can eventually become a fully-equipped space available to the community to hire, and is seeking commercial and charitable partners to this end. Sponsors included Remington Harrow Hairdressers, who styled the hair for the whole cast, Kallkwik, who printed the programmes, Waitrose and Squire’s Garden Centre.

Cllr Attfield said: “I would like to thank the staff at Heath End, and their sponsors, for enabling the students to put on this fantastic performance of Grease. The students’ commitment to the production is commendable. I have attended many events since becoming mayor but this is one of the most special.”

Head of drama Mrs Harms said: “It was the biggest and best production I have had the honour to direct in the 11 years I have been at FHES.

“I can honestly say we are on the ‘road to great’ with the outstanding talent displayed by the cast. I can’t wait for next year!”

Chair of governors and Grease producer Rob Williams added: “The students really showed off their talents and the incredible generosity of our local community meant we could maximise every aspect of our show, alongside a dedicated team of parents driven to make our cast’s dreams come true.”

Principal Stuart Maginnis said: “The Grease team has created some lifelong memories for so many young people. The productions made us proud and really highlighted what this school stands for.”

To donate to the FHES theatre project, e-mail Rob Williams, chairman of governors, at [email protected].