Highfields was struck by Greased Lightning as students amazed audiences with this year’s stage spectacular - including one superstar VIP guest.

Months of hard work was rewarded with rave reviews when students took to the stage to perform hit musical Grease.

Among the crowds was soul superstar Beverley Knight, who took time out from her busy schedule to cheer on the cast. Former Highfields student Beverley was in the audience to watch the final performance on Saturday night and took to Twitter to tell her 132,000 followers how much she had loved the showcase.

The show had initially been due to take place from Feb 28th-March 3rd but three performances were called off due to heavy snowfall and had to be rescheduled for the following week. Despite the delay, and unfortunate cast illness which saw some students take on new roles at the last minute, the show was another resounding success.

Ms S Bishop, Head of Performance, said: “We are incredibly proud of every student who has given their all over the past few months to put on another fabulous show.

“Our annual musical productions at Highfields have gained a fantastic reputation and we always strive to stage showcases to the highest standard. Rehearsals are always great fun but the extraordinary amount of hard work that our students put in week after week cannot be underestimated. This is why it was so disappointing that three of our original shows had to be cancelled due to the snow.

“However, our fabulous cast and band refused to let a bit of snow dampen their spirits and they were back ready to entertain audiences for the rescheduled shows a week later - even with a few late cast changes due to illness.

“They were given an extra boost when former Highfields student, Beverley Knight, confirmed she would be in the audience for the final show. Having nurtured her performance talent at Highfields as a teenager - including playing Sandy in the school’s last version of Grease many years ago - Beverley has gone on to enjoy global fame.

“She has always been an avid supporter of her former school and it was an honour to have her in the audience. Our students were absolutely thrilled she was there to watch them and she said she was hugely impressed with their performances.

“To all of the students involved, I just want to say a huge ‘well done’. You were phenomenal and should be incredibly proud.”

The musical is one of the most successful and popular of all time, featuring a host of uplifting songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightning, We Go Together and Born To Hand Jive.

The showcase was the second collaboration with neighbouring Penn Fields School for the annual production and students had rehearsed every Thursday evening and some Saturdays since October.