A star-studded performance led by pupils at a secondary school received a rousing reception from fellow schoolmates.

A-Level and secondary students at Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green staged their production of West End hit musical Chicago as a treat for peers and staff.

Most of the 35 cast members had very little or no dance experience, adding to the challenge faced by girls.

The show's leads were Emilia Hitching (Velma Kelly), Emily Christaki (Roxie Hart), Alex O’Brien (Billy Flynn), with Gauri Godbole as Mary Sunshine and Jake Botha as the downtrodden Amos Hart.

Year 13 student, Olivia Welch, her assistant choreographers, Hanna Wright and Temi Atanlusi, was responsible for much of the choreography.

Miss Welch said: “It was a really good environment during rehearsals and brought pupils from several year groups together as a team. There was a real feeling of positivity.”

The production, led by head of drama Elie Middleton, was described as “professional” and “unique” by Eva and Nav, Year 10 pupils and members of the audience.