Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the School's biggest and most ambitious musical theatre production for a number of years, proved a huge hit with audiences and a triumph for all those who took part.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's vibrant musical was performed for an invited audience of local primary schools and senior citizens at a matinee performance on Monday 7th March and on the evenings of the 7th, 8th and 9th March for an audience of parents, fellow pupils and friends.

The production, months in the casting, planning and rehearsing, involved a cast of more than 200 girls from the Sixth Form, Senior and Junior Schools and virtually everyone in the design and production of costumes, props and scenery.

Director of Music, Mrs Gilly Sargent, said: "The aim of Joseph was to enthuse, nurture and promote the performing arts within Withington Girls' School; to provide the opportunity to cement friendships and develop self-esteem through the joy of music and dance as well as learning and employing the need for commitment, self discipline and knowing what it is to be part of a team."

She added: "It is the ideal vehicle for this because the musical is fun, lively and totally inclusive, offering something for everyone. It's just a very happy show."

"For me it was brilliant to see how the characters and the girls themselves grow in confidence and see the delight on their faces as they took their standing ovations. It will provide the memory of a lifetime. The sounds, lighting, props, scenery and costumes were all fantastic and engendered a sense of team spirit as all the different departments made their contributions. I cannot thank colleagues enough for the massive support they gave to me and to the girls."

Headmistress, Mrs Sue Marks, said: "It has been a real joy to watch the entire school community come together over the past several months to bring this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to life. I cannot recall ever having seen a whole-school activity which has so evidently brought so much pleasure to those involved."

Mrs Sargent's belief that involvement would be an unforgettable experience was echoed by all the leading members of the cast.