A FEW months ago, students at a Lowestoft high school were rocking to the sounds of the swinging sixties.

But next week, they will be hitting the stage again to bring a festive spectacular to local audiences.

In July, The Journal reported on young performers at Benjamin Britten High as they prepared for their third annual summer show – an end-of-term production of the musical Twist and Shout.

And now the curtain is about to go up on their latest offering, The Christmas Extravaganza.

Corinne Breen, the school's head of expressive arts, said the show would live up to its name.

She told The Journal: 'The show promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing experience and there will also be a re-enactment of the creation of elves to really bring the Christmas spirit alive!'

About 100 students auditioned for the production and they have been 'working tirelessly' to ensure that the show is as successful as ever. Ms Breen added: 'The expressive arts faculty has encouraged students to showcase their own individual talents and this year's show is the result of students' inspiration.'

The show's cast includes an acting ensemble, led by student director Sam Riley; Emily Lawler and Amy Mullen Brown who will perform a dance duet to a vocal performance by Jessica Kingsley; lead choreographers Katy Hampshire and Charlotte Balls; and Jazmine Banks, who will also sing a solo.

This Christmas, the school's chosen fund-raising project is the Solar Schools initiative.

Ms Breen said: 'The Solar Schools initiative aims to raise funds to allow our school to invest in a renewable energy project, which would enable us to reduce our energy bills and reduce our carbon footprint.

'This project provides an opportunity for students, parents, local businesses, former students and the wider community to work together and help us improve our school. It's an opportunity to support our students who want to do something positive and practical to tackle climate change,' she added.

Preparations and rehearsals have been taking place at the school for some time, ahead of two shows next week.

?The Christmas Extravaganza takes place at Benjamin Britten High School in Blyford Road, Lowestoft, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets costing �4 are now on sale. For details, ring 01502 582312.