STUDENTS at Wyedean School transformed an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan for their latest production.

The production of the musical Honk! is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale, The Ugly Duckling, an was the first at the school since Sister Act three years ago.

The Sedbury school’s production of the musical Honk! was “double cast” after disruption caused by Covid restrictions to ensure it was not derailed by illness and with slightly different casts on different nights.

The show tells the familiar story of The Ugly Duckling with Ugly (Noah Barton/Tyler Anderson) and his efforts to get back to his mum (Gracie Lewis/Ella Byrne Jones) after being lured away by Cat (Lucy Hopkins/Rosanna Pagliaro).

The show also featured live music from a five-strong band of Gareth Creed (bass), Rory Briggs on keyboards, Damian Pugh (percussion), Lloyd Cottrell (reeds) and Gethin Liddington (trumpet) led by musical director Heidi Hodkinson.

There were thanks to all those both in school and the wider community whose assistance made the show possible.

There were special thanks for Bill Baker, Dave Bevan and Dave Drummey who transformed what had previously been an exam room into the farmyard setting.

Principal Gwennan Jeremiah said she was proud that the school was able to showcase such talent.

She said: “It’s amazing to be back doing live events like this and seeing the amazing talent among our student body.

“To have professional music to accompany them really helps to bring it to life.”

She also thanked students who did the sound and lighting and the backstage crew who worked “incredibly hard”.