YOUNGSTERS at a Dawlish special school are celebrating after their summer production was a big hit.

The students at Orchard Manor School came together to share a modern musical take on the story of Robin Hood.

Sherwood the Musical, which was set in a Hunger Games style landscape and told of the plight suffered by the people of District 10, formally known as Sherwood, was a huge success with audience members blown away by the performances of students ranging from six to 16 years of age

The production was a thought-provoking adaptation of the famous folk tale, which saw Robin and his friends facing homelessness when the ruthless President John King announces he is to cut down Sherwood Forest to begin fracking.

Expressive arts teacher Flo Whitcombe said: ‘Topical themes, catchy songs, the odd dance routine and fantastic performances from each and every member of this cast of more than 60 pupils … What more could you ask for in a musical?’

She thanked Dom Jefferies of TRUE LX for providing lighting and sounds to bring the show to life.

And there was financial help of £600 from the The Ella Philp Memorial Fund, which went towards paying for Dom’s expertise and making the show look professional.

Flo said: ‘We are very grateful to the EPF who kindly offer grants to local schools in order for them to raise the profile of musical theatre, something Ella was very passionate about.’

The fund is part of the Helen Foundation’s work and was set up in memory of Ella, a former Dawlish College student who was studying Civil Engineering at Cardiff University when she died suddenly from a blood clot on her brain, aged 19 in 2022.