I WAS lucky enough to attend the opening night of Kirkley High's production of the musical, Hairspray on Monday.Following on from their first ever musical, Grease, last year, I knew I would be in for a good evening's entertainment but had no idea that it would be one of the most outstanding amateur performances I have ever seen.

I WAS lucky enough to attend the opening night of Kirkley High's production of the musical, Hairspray on Monday.

Following on from their first ever musical, Grease, last year, I knew I would be in for a good evening's entertainment but had no idea that it would be one of the most outstanding amateur performances I have ever seen.

Every single member of the cast worked together to give a truly memorable portrayal of this, very popular, musical.

Beth Lewis gave an inspired performance as Tracy Turnblad, with every nuance of the character explored and a range of vocal talent extraordinary for someone of her age. Reece Ayers made a truly convincing Edna, ably supported by Steen Bryant who played Tracy's father, Wilbur.

Dan Walker made a very handsome and believable Link. Holly Bessey gave a super performance as Amber and Jemma Anderson's Velma was reflective of many a pushy parent. Charlotte Trotter gave a delightful portrayal of Penny Pingleton (Tracy's best friend) while Harriet Crowe was a convincing Mrs Pingleton, with attitude.

Ben Roberts gave an athletic performance as Seaweed, while Sophie McCormack portrayed his 'annoying' little sister. Chris Challis' characterisation of Corny Collins hit just the right note with the audience, while Chantel Morton's portrayal of Motormouth was solid as a rock and her rendition of "I Know Where I've Been" was truly stunning.

There were delightful cameo performances by Dan Challis as My Pinky, Laurie Groom as Spritzer and Any Vallely as PE Teacher and Prison Warden and Sophie Bell (who had the most amazing rich and velvety sound to her voice), Ross Carpenter and Elena Moore.

These principal characters were supported by a superb chorus who each gave excellent individual performances.

Supporting them was the solid musical sound provided by the Ultra Clutch Band. Having a live band providing the music was wonderful and the sound was awesome.

To get a performance like this off the ground takes hundreds of hours and Kirkley High are lucky enough to have a truly committed group of teachers who believe in their students and work immensely hard to give them this fabulous opportunity.

Special mention must go to the production team, Jo Doddington, Rebecca Warren, David Porter and Stuart Morrison. Without this very special group of people, our young people would never have had this amazing opportunity.

In a time when we are trying to raise the aspirations of our local youngsters, these committed teachers are doing just that and I know that each and every young person that was involved in this production will go far.

SARAH FOX

Dell Road East

Oulton Broad

This is our letter of the week, and the writer will receive a bouquet courtesy of Sansoms Florists