TALENTED youngsters aim to hit the big time in West End theatre but not before they have shown off their skills in their own back yard. Oliver Carson, who plays Prince John, tucks into a pig roast during the banquet in Hood. Picture - JO BLIZZARD

Pupils of Abberley Hall School, Great Witley, have gone back in time to produce a unique performance of Robin Hood for the school's annual play. In the musical Hood, while the characters tread the boards, extracts from the film Robin Hood will be played behind them on a huge screen to link and show parallels between the two.

If it proves successful director Hazel Hickling intends to adapt the script to try to secure West End dates in London.

Set in London in the year 2000, the original characters have been given a makeover to bring them up to date.

Mrs Hickling said: "We have Robin Hood as a news reporter, Maid Marian as a student and Friar Tuck as a reverend.

"People will also find the merry men funny in their roles as a cab driver, banker, nightclub bouncer and photographer."

The production includes a pop video filmed by three of the students similar to the Bryan Adams hit from the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Folk can judge for themselves when it is staged at the school next Thursday at 7pm, and at 2pm the following day.

For more details call 01299 896275.