THE creative talents of staff and students at Cirencester Kingshill School will be pushed to the limits next month with its ambitious school play.

In a first for the school, head of expressive arts Russell Blackaller and head of music Guy Guerrini have written a brand new musical called Is This It?

The time travel musical, with influences as eclectic as Back to the Future, Scrooge and Hairspray, will showcase the talents of 120 performers.

Kingshill students themselves have been involved in helping to further develop the script and music during rehearsals.

This will be Mr Blackaller’s last show after 10 years at Kingshill and he aims to leave the school on a high note. He said: “There is always an element of risk with our plays and this time the risk is that we are introducing something brand new. Because I have been here for 10 years I am trusted by the children and I have their support to try something new.”

The music has been a collaboration of several composers under the musical direction of Mr Guerrini, including local musicians Rosie Blackaller and Mark Parrish. The music will be brought to life by a 20–piece student band.

“This will be a real chance to see a show that has been growing,” said Mr Blackaller. “The pupils have had an input and if they thought a line didn’t work we have changed it. Every show is a risk but we think audiences are in for a treat.”

• Is This It? runs on July 10, 11 and 12 at 7.30pm. For tickets call Chantal Taylor at Kingshill School on 01285 651511 or email ctaylor@cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk