CHILDREN got dramatic to stage a special performance for parents.

The youngsters at Denby Dale primary and nursery school performed their own interpretation of The Gruffalo after just a day of rehearsing.

They worked with actors from Yew Tree Theatre Company to create the 15-minute piece.

The children got the chance to work with them on the project after their school won an Awards for All grant for £2,800.

The Wakefield-based group specialises in training, workshops and performances.

The project had three parts to it – the actors spent weeks working with a group of children aged three to eight at an after-school club on a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The group then worked with seven to 11-year-olds in producing their play from scratch in a day.

They learned their parts through play and improvisation.”

The theatre company’s own youth group then staged their performance of Sleeping Beauty.

All three plays were then performed for families and the community at Denby Dale Pie Hall.

The grant also paid for costumes which the children will be able to keep and use for future productions.

Claire Wright, from the school, said: “It was a great opportunity for families and children to appreciate three pieces of theatre in one evening.

“The final performance was a more polished and aspirational piece. What’s lovely about it is it was performed in the community here, as most people are in walking distance of the school.

“The children really enjoyed it. We thought that some of the children in the nursery would be a bit shy, but they loved getting involved.

“It gives them a taste of performing and the opportunity to have a go.

“Theatre is great for helping them build up their self-esteem and confidence.”