SONG dance and an explosion of colour was on the curriculum at Prior Park Prep School in Cricklade earlier this term.

Senior pupils performed in their own production of the hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (JATD).

The version of the popular musical was led by Latin and Year 5 teacher Mr Barker and included adaptations of the original score Barnabas Pickford played the lead role of Joseph, a role first made famous by former Neighbours star Jason Donovan when JATD first launched in London’s West End in the early 90s.

A spokeswoman for the school, Sarah Longstaff, said: “Starring pupils from Years 6, 7, 8 it was clear that the prep school is creating future stars, nurturing talents and providing great opportunities for the children.”

Working on the musical was a baptism of fire for Mr Barker as it was his first role as a director but despite his inexperience he adapted to the role well.

Ms Longstaff said: “Mr Barker has worked wonders with the stage, cast and crew to put together this bright performance.”

The production was brought together with help from teachers, staff, pupils, parents, friends and family, who worked hard over the past term to create and source all sorts of costumes, scenery and props.

Among those was the school’s nurse, sister Liz Clover, who made a sheep, and Niamh  Preston and Sky Jamieson who made Egyptian symbols.

Youngsters, including several Year 8 pupils who have won scholarships in drama, worked long and hard preparing for the performance, rehearsing twice a week both during and after school.

The original Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The story is based on the classic and iconic 'coat of many colours' story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis.