STUDENTS are taking to the stage in a production that will raise money in memory of a teacher who died.
Hornsea School and Language College will donate proceeds from Jesus Christ Superstar to Hull Royal Infirmary in the name of teacher Lynne Bristowe, who died of breast cancer in April.
Drama teacher Kirsty Harrison said: "Lynne had just celebrated her 50th birthday before she died.
"She was extremely well known and well liked at the school.
"She was at Hornsea school 20 years ago and then she came back eight years ago to be head of the performing arts faculty.
"Lynne was my teacher when I was a pupil here. I remember she got me through my GCSEs.
"She was a massive influence on me, as she was on many people."
Mrs Bristowe, who lived near Driffield, was a seasoned performer who had appeared in the West End as well as in several productions at Hull New Theatre.
As a teacher, colleagues say her emphasis was on encouraging pupils to have the confidence to have a go and get involved.
That influence has certainly rubbed off on the Hornsea students.
Forty pupils aged 12 to 18 will appear in Jesus Christ Superstar in the school's main hall on July 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Miss Harrison is organising the production alongside head of drama Daniel Sellers.
She said: "It's something completely new that we thought could be brought into the 21st century."
To give them inspiration, students watched a recently released DVD of a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, starring DJ Chris Moyles as Herod.
Since then, rehearsals have been going well, with 13-year-old Max Joy demonstrating mature singing talent in the title role.
Miss Harrison said: "Max's voice is absolutely amazing. He sounds like an 18-year-old. We do drama club shows every year but this is the first time for five years we have done a whole-school production.
"There have been some real surprises, especially among the boys.
"We want to do one every year now."
The show in the large main hall will play to a total audience of 800 over its four-night run.
Tickets cost £5 or £4 for concessions and all the money raised will go to the oncology unit at Hull Royal Infirmary, where Mrs Bristowe was cared for.
Miss Harrison said: "Being involved with this means I can give something back to the school and to the community.
"And I'm doing something in memory of a very special lady who supported me so much.
"It's hard work during the rehearsals but I'm sure it will all pay off during the week of the show."
Visit www.hornsea.eriding.net for more information on the school production or call 01964 532727 to order tickets.
