Staff and pupils at a Basildon school are hoping its latest production will bring them a fairytale ending by helping them gain performing arts status.

The Woodlands School in Takely End has been busy trying to raise £50,000 to place a bid to become a specialist school. Having already managed around £30,000, it is hoped its production 'Happily Ever After' will prove a reality.

Proceeds from the play will be added to the funds which are on target to reach the required amount this year.

Fairytale hope : Robert Saunders, Shannon Williams, Amy O'Brien, Lauren Bushell and Emily Cox

Deputy headteacher Dave Fogarty said: "We have been slaving away for nearly 18 months to raise this money and we are hoping for a fairytale ending.

"If we got this status it would mean a huge injection of resources for the whole school.

"Hopefully it could help us to better results, but it will also mean we could be more open to the community, inviting local art groups and the like to use the facilities."

A new theatre is under construction at the school thanks to a £153,000 donation from the Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

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