Not only was Allenbourn Middle School’s production of A Night at the Musicals a sell-out, but they also had the support of Broadway stars.

Before the curtain went up they heard from Amber Riley from Glee and Judith Franklin from The Tina Turner musical on Broadway who wished them well.

Seventy children from the Wimborne school – from Years five to eight – took part in the production.

Deputy headteacher and former theatre and visual arts professional Luke Smith pulled in some favours to reach the stars.

Mark Legge, headteacher, said: “It was a fantastic production and because Luke previously worked at QE School, which is also part of Wimborne Academy Trust, we were able to borrow some of its professional equipment.

“It was a real collaborative effort to produce such high quality performances, with such detailed production elements, whilst maintaining an emphasis on inclusivity.

“Everyone involved on stage had a part and others were involved in costume, make-up, backstage and offering refreshments.

“We put together a number of acting scenes, musical numbers and dance sequences from shows including Barnum, Hamilton, The Lion King, Matilda and Les Miserables.

“It was a Christmas present to the parents who came to watch and on the back of it some of our children have parts in QE School’s next show.”

Liz West, chief executive of WAT, said: “This was a wonderful show which I enjoyed thoroughly – we have some hugely talented children.

“It demonstrated how being part of a trust can benefit schools with the sharing of resources, expertise and even students.”