ALTON’S Strictly Showtime stage school wowed audiences at the Maltings this month with a spectacular staging of Bernstein’s iconic musical West Side Story.

Students aged 11 to 16 put in amazing performances in a show described by teacher and director Jenny Abbott as "unbelievably difficult" and rarely attempted by children. Maria (Sophie Housley) and Tony (Niamh Taylor) gave spellbinding performances ably supported by Riff (Ceren Abbatt) and Anita (Libby Lavers). Mackenzie Wellfare starred as Bernardo with Tom Gilson as Lt Shrank.

Next weekend (March 29/30) it will be the turn of the seven to 12-year-olds age group as they stage Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, at Alton Maltings Centre.

For tickets, visitstrictlyshowtime.co.uk or call 07875 764788.