The first drama production at the Merchants' Academy in Withywood is being staged this week.

More than 40 students aged between 11 and 16 are taking part in Bugsy Malone , which is being performed to 500 parents, friends and 250 local primary school students.

Polly Higgins, academy director of drama, said: "We have had an overwhelming response from the students, with around 100 turning up to our open auditions in January. It seems to have really excited and grabbed the attention of the whole academy.

"Those students who attended Withywood Community School had not been involved in a full musical production like this before, in fact there wasn't even a drama department at the old school. As a result, many of the students had never even visited the theatre.

"This year, we have worked closely with the Theatre Royal in Bath and a number of Year 7 students have been to see a live production which has given them a real taste for performing arts."

It is not just those students appearing on stage who have contributed to the production. The hairdressing salon at the academy has been utilised, along with the music suites and the construction department, which has developed the set.

Ms Higgins said: "We are lucky in that the facilities we have here are second to none.

"We have a fantastic auditorium with brand new lighting and sound equipment. We have also involved the business students who have helped with the sale of tickets and the management of the front of house."

She added: "It really has been an academy-wide operation. This will be a professional, fast-paced version of the classic Bugsy Malone and it is great that so many parents and members of the local community are coming to see it."