Samworth Church Academy students staged spectacular performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in their state-of-the-art drama theatre.

The production was created by the Mansfield academy’s students and drama teacher Caroline Harrison.

She said: “This has been a huge success. For teenagers to put on a full Shakespeare production, using the original language, and designing their own costumes, hair and make-up has been astounding.

“A student orchestra also provided the music. The feedback we have received from the audience was superb. We even had people who attended the first night return for the second performance.

“Some visitors said they couldn’t believe the actors were not A-Level students or at university, which is a tremendous accolade.”

One of those who couldn’t stay away was Ashleigh Clarke (15). She said: “It was brilliant! For the actors to be able to remember and speak lines in Shakespeare’s original language is just beyond me. I do dance at the academy but wanted to come and watch my friend Laura, she did well and I’m proud of her.”

Adele Lee played Oberon, King of the Fairies, and said she had been a little nervous before the performance.

“I was nervous, but it went really well. We all pulled through to the end. I enjoy drama, in fact one of my aims is to be a drama teacher.”

Megan Gripton-Cooper played Peaseblossom and said she tried to be something of a mentor to help the other players.

“I’m the only A-Level student taking part in the production and therefore a little older. I felt I couldn’t let the others down and show my own nerves because I was trying to support them.”