P UPILS at a village school are in full swing with rehearsals for their annual show. More than 100 Endon High pupils, aged between 11 and 16, are involved in a production of Bugsy Malone.

The show has a 65-strong cast, 20-piece band, and a back-stage team of 15.

Bugsy Malone is set in the 1920s and was originally performed as a film starring Jodie Foster and Scott Baio in 1976.

The story-line depicts the rivalry between two gangs – Fat Sam's and Dandy Dan's.

Blousey is a young singer who wants to make her way in the singing world and goes for a job at Fat Sam's club, much to star turn Tallulah's annoyance.

Bugsy himself narrates the play and ends up falling for Blousey and working for Fat Sam.

Endon High's production of Bugsy Malone is set to include songs, comedy antics, as well as a few twists and turns.

Director and science teacher Nicky Tapley said: "Rehearsals are going really well and fingers crossed for opening night.

"I am very proud of what the pupils have achieved so far.

"They have worked hard from mid January, giving up their free time to make this show a success.

"The whole process from start to finish will just have been seven school weeks.

"Parents and staff have also been really supportive, offering any help they can."

Zoe Ruane and Helen Malborn are both eager to get the show started.

Zoe, aged 16, who plays one of Tallulah's girls, said: "I was backstage for last year's show, but decided that as it's my last year at Endon I would audition for a part."

"It should be really good because we are basically acting out our real friendship group. I'm more excited than nervous".

Helen, also 16, said: "It's really fun to be acting in a big group. The nerves and excitement are conflicting each other at the moment."

Helen has taken to the stage before, with slightly more humble parts.

She said: "The first role I can remember was being a sheep in the nativity in Year One."

Sophie Boote, aged 16, from Baddeley Green, has landed the lead female role.

She said: "I play Blousey.

"I have had lead roles before outside school, but I've always really wanted to be a lead in a school production."

Sophie admits she is nervous as the opening night draws near.

She said: "I've never sung a solo part before and I don't have lessons – it must be raw talent."

Josh Tulley is set to play the part of Dandy Dan.

The 15-year-old, from Birches Head, said: "I've been an Elvis Tribute act before and I was also in Oliver at school a few years ago. I'm really excited to play a bigger part."

Chloe McDonald will be portraying Bangles.

The 16-year-old, from Longsdon, said: "She's all cocky and loves herself. I get to wear the most hideous dress which the rest of the gang take the mickey out of – so I get to storm off stage."

Emily Williamson, aged 16, will be tackling the role of Tallulah.

Emily, from Endon, performed at last year's Leek's Got Talent.

She said: "I'm very excited about playing Tallulah, because she is a bit mischievous and knows what she wants."

Dylan Wagg, aged 14, will be playing Fat Sam.

Dylan, from Norton, said: "I was thrilled to get the part of Fat Sam, as he is an Italian Mafia-type character who is a bit of a clutz."

Andy Graham is playing Bugsy.

The 15-year-old, who has not acted since he was at first school, said: "I decided to audition as this is my last year at high school.

"I was ecstatic when I was told that I had got the part."

Bugsy Malone will be running at Endon High from Tuesday to Friday, March 16 to March 19 at 7pm. Tickets, priced £6 for adults and £5 concessions, are available from the school on 01782 502240.