With the successes of We Will Rock You and Billy Elliot, director Stuart MacFarlane has well and truly put Devizes School’s annual productions on the musical map.

The traditional myth surrounding school musicals is that they have tended to be endured rather than enjoyed.

What a pleasure it is to report, then, that this stuffy old myth has once again been blown apart by this year’s school production of the hugely successful West End smash, Hairspray.

As the buzz of opening night dimmed with the house lights, the audience held their breath in collective anticipation. We needn’t have worried: as soon as the overture to the opening song Good Morning Baltimore began, and the impressive set emerged into focus – complete with the outline of that famous blue hair and pink bow – it was clear that the audience were in for another fantastic evening of musical entertainment.

The entire cast were an absolute sensation, but special mention goes to a select few. Firstly, to Adam Wilkingson and Benjamin Hartley as Edna and Wilbur Turnbald, whose comedic scene stealing rendition of (You’re) Timeless to Me brought the house down. Secondly, to Laura Christopher, a revelation as Motormouth Maybelle; just where did that incredible voice come from?

And finally to Anna North, whose performance as Tracy Turnblad was astonishing. Appear-ing in nearly every scene, and pitch perfect throughout, her professionalism and love of the theatre shone through in an extraordinary performance that had the audience on their feet at the end of the night.

Hayley Syrett