STUDENTS have been wowing the crowds as they take to the stage for Billy Elliot: The Musical.

Pupils from Cardinal Newman School in Hove have been rehearsing since last October before putting on performances this week.

The show stars George McGuigan, 13, as Billy, Ptolemy Crook,16, as his dad Jackie and Floss Tingley as his ballet teacher Sandra Wilkinson.

The musical is based on the hit 2000 film and the plot revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes.

The story of his personal struggle and fulfilment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife in Durham caused by the miners’ strike in the 1980s.

George said: “This is the first show that I’ve been in and I would love to be in more shows in the future.”

Billy Cashin, 13, who plays Billy’s best friend Michael, has been in other shows, including Scrooge at the Brighton Centre. He has also sung at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

He appeared in the ITV police thriller The Level last year, playing the son of a murder victim.

Floss, 17, said: “I am a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer who has recently found my passion for musical theatre.

“I was delighted to be cast as the leading lady since Billy Elliot is my favourite West End show.

“Mrs Wilkinson is the ideal character for me as I can blend my acting, singing, dancing (and bossiness) all in one role.”

Eirene Crook, 15, who plays Debbie, Mrs Wilkinson’s annoying daughter, said: “Since I’ve been at Newman I’ve been in all the productions and really enjoy them – especially the dancing part.

“All the performers are from Years 7 to 13 and organisers say it has been spectacular.”

Artistic director Charlotte Grosvenor is subject leader for drama at the school.

She said: “When Billy Elliot was first mooted, we were all excited but full of trepidation as to whether we could find boys who could sing, dance and act. As it was, we had an abundance of talent at the callbacks.

“The students have been fantastic. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The final performance of the sell-out show is tonight at the school’s lecture theatre.