A SECONDARY school stage took on the guise of Seville in southern Spain.

Budding singers and actors were given expert advice from husband and wife duo Graeme Danby and Valerie Reed, of English National Opera, before staging a one-off abridged performance of Carmen.

Students and staff at Shotton Hall School, Peterlee, have been rehearsing the music recently, but under the professional singing duo's guidance they perfected the dramatic side of Bizet's tragic opera within hours.

The result of the day-long workshop was played out to a packed audience of fellow pupils, parents, and staff at the school on Thursday night.

Kirsty Willis took the title role, alongside fellow Year 11 student Andrew Laidler, as the bold toreador Escamillo, while Richard Forster, an ex-Shotton Hall student, returned to play spurned lover Don Jose, who in a fit of jealousy kills Carmen rather than lose her to his bullfighting rival.

The workshop and performance, funded by Creative Partnerships, was staged to mark the school's recent designation as a specialist arts college.

Head of music Doreen Middlemast said the 25-strong cast and chorus line were thrilled at the chance to perform in such eminent company.

"It's a really special and unique occasion for the school and I think everyone was working off adrenaline.

"They've been really excited about working with Graeme and Valerie."