A SCHOOL theatre was transformed into the African savannah for a stage performance of the Disney musical The Lion King.

Staff and students at Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street spent a year preparing for the show, which was staged six times over three days last week, with masks and set created by the school’s Art Department.

Year 13 Performing Arts students choreographed the show and organised behind the scenes as two performances were staged for local primary schools and four shows for family and friends.

Two Year Eight pupils, Josh Metcalfe and Oli Barron, took the starring role as young Simba and teenage Simba, with Katie Hood and Courtney Crawley as young Nala and teenage Nala.

The show featured all of the hit songs from the classic film, opening with the worldwide hit Circle of Life featuring Year 12’s Emily Best as Rafiki.

Other pupils taking lead roles in the show were Chloe Dickinson, of Year 10, as Zazu, and hilarious performances by Jack Robinson of Year Nine and Kai Straker, from Year Eight, as Timon and Pumbaa.

Morven Adey, the school’s leader and manager of drama and dance, said: “We are immensely proud of everyone who has been involved in this production, they are a credit to the school and show the importance of extra-curricular activities in education.

“Thank you to everyone who came to see it and support our stunning cast.”