PUPILS at a York school are celebrating the spirit of Christmas with an ambitious musical.

Millthorpe School is presenting a stage version of that timeless classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

The cast of 22 covers the full age range of the school , from 11 to 16. There is a pit orchestra of 14 musicians under the musical directorship of Boyce Jackson, head of music.

Choreographer Liz Watson has devised dance and crowd sequences involving the whole cast.

The production is supported backstage by more than a dozen pupils working in teams on lighting, sound, costumes, set and ticket sales.

Rob Thomson, head of drama, said: "We have a strong tradition of presenting major productions at Millthorpe and these give our pupils a wonderful opportunity to experience musical theatre as participants. The musicians, for example, will be able to enjoy the experience of working in a real orchestra pit, playing for a run of live performances.

"We are very fortunate to have a large fund of highly talented performers.

"I chose to direct A Christmas Carol because it is a timeless story with a wealth of strong character parts that are fun for our actors to play. I'm sure audiences will find it a an enjoyable prelude to their Christmas festivities."

The show runs at Millthorpe School Hall, from today to Friday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Mr Harper at the school on 01904 686400.

Updated: 09:06 Wednesday, November 26, 2003