PUPILS have taken to the stage as part of a nationwide theatre project.

The National Theatre Connections project offers an opportunity for youth theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK.

Ormitston Rivers Academy staged Simon Armitage play Eclipse at the school last week.

Seven pupils from Years nine and 13 performed the play set on a Cornwall beach during the solar eclipse of 1999.

Six friends are interviewed by the police after the disappearance of Lucy Lime, a strange unnerving girl who they meet just before the eclipse.

Pupils Steven Boyd, Ellie Lieberman, Maisie Grindley-Milner, Katie Tyrell, Ciaran O’Connor, Kobe Lynam and Bridget Bellamy took to the stage for the evening.

All props for the show were made by students from the art department and Year 11 student, Thomas Damps provided support in developing the sound effects and operating the lighting.

Kate Goodfellow, who directed the play, said: “I chose this play as I loved the mystery behind it.

“The character of Lucy intrigued me; how she suddenly appeared and then just as suddenly disappeared.

“As a company we played on the idea of Lucy being different, calm and untouched by others.

“The cast really embraced the play and thoroughly enjoyed working on making it come alive. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved.”