THE show must go on!

The Compass School has lived up to the old showbusiness saying by undertaking a musical project which saw pupils put on a performance with a difference.

Coronavirus restrictions have impacted upon the way lessons are delivered across the country, while singing indoors is discouraged.

However, at the Haddington school, where singing and music are an important part of school life, staff did what they could to ensure a bit of festive cheer was spread.

Using a large covered area the school temporarily erected in the playground, a performance space complete with professional stage lighting and sound was created.

Mark Becher, headteacher at the school on West Road, praised the efforts of everyone involved.

He said: “From the outset of the term, we knew that our usual busy Christmas programme of concerts, musicals and carol services would not be able to take place.

“Nevertheless, we have been committed to ensuring that the children enjoyed as normal an experience of Christmas as possible.

“As music and singing is a very important part of our school life, we looked at how we could safely put together a celebration of Christmas which our children, families and the wider community could enjoy.

“It was a fantastic team effort; putting on a musical production outside in the middle of December naturally presents a whole range of challenges!

“Nevertheless, we knew what we wanted to achieve and everyone played their part brilliantly.

“Thankfully, the weather was kind to us on the day we filmed our productions and we are absolutely delighted with the results.

“We hope they will bring lots of joy to many homes this Christmas!”

‘A Bundle of Joy’, a nativity musical for nursery to P3 children, and ‘A Christmas Line – A North Pole Musical’ for the school’s P4-P7 pupils – were both performed.

Youngsters rehearsed the songs and words in class group/bubbles in the weeks leading up to the performance, before heading outdoors and putting all of the individual class performances together.

Now, with the help of a professional film-maker, two films have been created showing the performances.

The musicals are also being sent to care homes in the area for the residents to enjoy over the festival period.

To view A Bundle of Joy go to youtu.be/Ws5IgMd8EwU and for A Christmas Line – A North Pole Musical visit youtube.com/watch?v=HxfgdbHOenE