WINDERMERE School finished the Autumn term with an escape from reality as over fifty students took to the stage to perform a version of the smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’.

Based on the songs of Queen and the storyline by Ben Elton, the musical is set in a future, vaguely Orwellian Earth where musical instruments are forbidden and rock music is long forgotten.

Pupils from Years Seven to 13 took to the stage with real enthusiasm, telling the tale of a small group of rebels, known as the ‘Bohemians’, who dream of restoring free thinking and, most importantly, live music.

Teaming up with Galileo, a poor boy from a poor family, and his love interest, Scaramouche, they set about finding the long lost guitar of Queen guitarist Brian May.

Janet McCallum, musical director and head of music at Windermere School, said: “This has been a fantastic experience for all involved. Since we started auditions at the beginning of September, the pupils have worked tirelessly and all the hard work and effort has really paid off. What a performance."

The storyline continues as Galileo and Scaramouche, with the help of Pop, an older Bohemian who yearns for the good old days, eventually find the guitar, hidden in the ruins of Wembley Stadium, the location of some of Queen’s memorable concerts.

Guitar in hand, the show climaxes with a stirring performance of ‘We Will Rock You’, followed by the whole cast launching into ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

Head master Ian Lavender said: “I do not recollect a production where the show performed to three almost sell-out audiences, three nights running, and a full matinee production to local primary schools. The floor in the auditorium was throbbing on each evening with the beat of the music and the final show received a standing ovation.

"These were exceptional performances and a huge amount of praise is due to everybody who took part – the cast, the band, the technical crew, hair and make-up, costume design and set design.”