Jesmond is preparing for a winter sing-a-long this week as the Royal Grammar School (RGS) has defeated adverse weather conditions to bring hit musical Oklahoma! on to the stage from tonight.

The school opened its doors tonight for a festive family affair as its students participate in the annual Christmas production.

Following on from last year’s production, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ, Superstar, director Trevor Walters and his actors are bidding to bring a more traditional feel to the stage this time round.

Neal Parker, head of performing arts at RGS, said he was looking forward to the production, which will involve more than 40 performers with many more roles backstage, with high expectations.

“We have chosen a piece which is famous more for its content than anything else. Packed full of good songs – you only realise just how many you know when you come and hear it – and a good old fashioned love story to boot, it’s also very funny in places,” he said.

However, the show has not been without its problems, as snow has gripped Jesmond over the past fortnight.

Parker said: “The snow has been an issue because Trevor, like any good director, had beautifully planned a schedule to get the production just right on the night of the first performance.

“But, as they say, the show must go on.”

“Despite the weather, the technical crew has heroically laboured on in creating the set, and the cast have carried on with their preparations.

“These sorts of setbacks are all part of putting on a production, and we are determined that they will not have any effect upon the quality of the performances”

Head teacher Dr. Bernard Trafford said he was also looking forward to the show, which kicked off the first of three consecutive nights this evening.

He said, “It’s great to do a feel-good musical – we can expect a big song and dance show and it promises to be a lot of fun.

“Musicals are very hard to master. Multi-skills are required, but we’re highly confident in our students to deliver once more.”