A SCHOOL held a gala night to mark the opening of their new performing arts centre.

The Royal Grammar School Worcester officially launched their new facilities with a performance of Les Misérables led by the pupils.

The performing arts centre includes a fully operational theatre, two drama studios, facilities for the actors, a foyer area and lighting and sound facilities.

The centre was made possible by donations from members of the school community who were able to sponsor seats in the theatre.

The gala night was an event with parents, alumni, friends and former pupils attending a black-tie pre-show dinner.

The opening was performed by Rosemary Ham, chair of governors, on November 28, when the plans for the centre were introduced. Mrs Ham is a former English and drama teacher and head of department from The Alice Ottley School in Worcester which merged with RGS in 2007.

A plaque to mark the occasion was unveiled while the headteacher, John Pitt, thanked everyone who had made the creation of the centre possible.

Mr Pitt said: “It is a spectacular facility which has been designed to be as flexible as possible. Drama and the Performing Arts at RGS Worcester are extremely strong and we are delighted that we now have a theatre and studios that do it justice.

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“We had a lovely evening to mark the Grand Opening which was a chance to thank everyone involved in the project, and also celebrate with the pupils as they gave a remarkable performance of Les Misérables, worthy of professional actors on a West End stage.”

The school’s drama pupils gave six performances of the musical in the space of five days. After the performance the actors discussed the play with the children and answered their questions.

The performing arts centre will be used for further drama productions throughout the year, as well as for performances, presentations, conferences and dance events for the community.