THE Rat Pack came to town when students and staff swung into action, belting out a number of swing classics. More than 60 students from The Meridian School, in Royston, were joined by staff to perform in the school s annual cabaret evening, Swing into Su

THE Rat Pack came to town when students and staff swung into action, belting out a number of swing classics.

More than 60 students from The Meridian School, in Royston, were joined by staff to perform in the school's annual cabaret evening, Swing into Summer.

Performers were accompanied by the school's "big" band in singing classic songs from the era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.

Jenny Warburton, head of performing arts, said: "It was an opportunity for all involved to display their talents. We wanted to raise the awareness and importance of live music and they certainly did that.

"It was a packed house with an audience of 150 people. The atmosphere was lively and everyone was amazed by the talent on show."

The students in Years 9 to Year 13 were joined on stage by staff.

Kevin O'Grady, head of English, sang Mack the Knife, and David Mitchell, head of history, sang Do Nothing Till You Hear It From Me, while David Atkins, head of sixth form, sang Come Fly with Me.

Miss Warburton said: "They all worked extremely hard and have been rehearsing throughout the term. Some students have just finished their exams, so it was nice for them to let their hair down instead of being stuck behind an examination desk.

"The evening is always an important part of the school calendar."

- YEAR 9 students took to the stage in the in-house production of John Godber's play Teechers, which was directed by head of drama Lauren Phillips.

The 90-minute play started the Year 9 activity week.

Miss Warburton said: "The play was a generalised comedy about teachers and what goes on in the school environment.

"I am sure some of the teachers could relate to a few of the characters.

"I think the students enjoyed playing the role of the teacher and I am sure that they borrowed a few of their characteristics from certain members of staff," she said.