School’s charity act

That’s the message from pupils at Batley Girls’ High School, whose charity rendition of the musical Oliver Twist will raise money for Children In Need, Martin House children’s hospice and Islamic Aid.

The classic tale of hardship takes on a new twist at the Birstall school, as it follows the life of Olivia who is desperately wishing for her dreams to come true.

The school’s assistant headteacher, in charge of cultural events, Emma Rodirgues said: “We thought we would perform something that the audience would recognise but give it a humorous twist. I think that the excitement, the thrill and the cheesiness of it all will get everyone enthralled.

“There are several Victorian characters who will keep popping up in the play – it is up to the audience to try to work out which other literary classics they have been taken from.”

Tickets for the show, which is on February 22 and 23, are £3.50 (concessions £2.50) and can be bought from the school in Windmill Lane, Howden Clough by calling 01924 350080. The show starts at 7pm and will finish around 9pm.