PRIMARY school children took charge behind the scenes at an international opera house.

Five children from Barcombe Primary School took the reins at Glyndebourne to see what makes it tick as part of the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge 2015.

The challenge is a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England which sees children and young people going behind the scenes of organisations and businesses who gain a fresh insight into their work by listening to children’s ideas and experience.

Ruth Force, deputy headteacher, said: "We came to a fantastic schools' performance at Glyndebourne a few weeks ago and were really excited to be coming to Glyndebourne for Take Over Day to see what is involved in putting on an opera in our local opera house."

Youngsters went behind the scenes to learn about the artisan craftsmanship that goes into creating the wigs, costumes and props that appear in Glyndebourne’s award-winning productions.

They got involved in a stage design workshop and even made their own sets and costumes.

Glyndebourne’s Head of Education Lucy Lowe said: “It’s vital that we engage young people in the craft that goes into creating world-class productions.

“As a key local employer and iconic visitor destination in Sussex we also have responsibility to help engage and develop the next generation of theatre specialists, craftsmen and craftswomen.

“Inviting young children to get involved in children’s commissioner’s Takeover Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase Glyndebourne’s amazing behind the scenes skills – and see what tips the children can offer us.”

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England said: “We can all benefit from getting involved in Takeover Challenge.

“Children and young people bring fresh ideas, imagination and energy to the roles they take over, and they challenge stereotypes about them that we hear too often.

“Everyone benefits from Takeover Challenge. Children and young people gain an insight into the adult world and organisations benefit from a fresh perspective of their work.

“This year, the children’s commissioner is encouraging organisations to extend their Takeover to happen anytime, any day.”