The world premiere of a new musical will be hitting the stage in Tenby next month.

Staff and students of the town's Greenhill School are delighted to be taking part in the first-ever production of 'Hood' and busy counting down to the first performance in just over three weeks time.

Penned by professional musicians Andy Brown and Steve Williamson, Greenhill's production, directed by music teacher, Neil Martin who worked with the composers when he was a music technology consultant, tells the legendary tale of Robin Hood and his merry men.

With a cast of 35 pupils from throughout the school and even a few guest appearances from members of staff, Hood, billed as a lively and colourful show, with orchestral parts to accompany Steve and Andy's lyrics by Mr. Martin, combines a tale of treachery and tyranny, dark elements and evil characters, with moments of fun and comical incidents to amuse.

Taking centre stage as Robin Hood, the Sherwood Forest hero who robbed from the rich to give to the poor, will be Robert Hodge, who will be remembered for his performance as Curly in the school's last production Oklahoma two years ago, while Miranda Rees, whose dad, Andrew is a well-known local actor and the show's assistant director, plays his sweetheart, Maid Marian.

Also treading the boards is head of the school's performing arts department, Mr. Paul Rapi, who takes on the role of the arch villain, the sheriff of Nottingham, while his colleague, Mr. John Morgan stars as the Friar Tuck.

Little John is played by Richard Kiess, Matthew Birch is Will Scarlet and Matthew Holt will be full of evil as the Guy of Gisborn, the vicious despot who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

"The Silver Arrow show has to be seen to be believed," said Sara Torok and Poppy Brace, Year 11 media students, who along with fellow pupils are undertaking front-of-house, sale of tickets and publicity duties.

"The songs in the show have tremendous appeal with a big rock influence," Sara and Poppy explained.

"They're very upbeat and modern, and range from ballads to rap and there is even some disco music thrown in too."

As well as the music, provided by Mr. Martin and students, there is also plenty of singing and dancing which is sure to add to the enjoyment of the show, plus eye-catching costumes designed by Rhian Morgan and scenery designed by Mr. Martin with the assistance of some of the school's art students.

Stage manager, Miss Sian Rees meanwhile will be ensuring everything runs smoothly behind stage.

"This is definitely not just a children's show, it has the size, sophistication and complexity of a full West End show, and is written with the same quality and thought as Grease, Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera," said Sara and Poppy.

"The two composers, Steve and Andy, who has assisted big names such as Craig David and Madonna are coming down for the opening night and will be bringing publishers and possibly even professional promoters as Hood has already had a phenomenal amount of worldwide interest from places as far as New York and Sydney."

Hood, which took 10 years to write, premieres on Tuesday, February 25.

Staged in the school hall, the show runs for four nights until Friday, February 28. Curtain up is at 7.30 pm.

Tickets are priced £3 are on sale at the school office.

"It really is an amazing production which has been made possible thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Greenhill Drama and Music students," added Sara and Poppy.

A message from headmaster, Mr. Chris Noble

Presenting any school play involves a great amount of hard work, commitment and talent. Performing a musical, combining drama and music, is doubly complicated. And when that musical has never been performed anywhere else before, the director and cast have and even harder task on their hands.

So 'Hood' is an ambitious project for us, but I am sure that the four performances we will give during the last week in February will be well worth watching. Do please join us is you possibly can. A good audience will be all that we need to make a huge success. I look forward to welcoming you.