Pupils 'learnt so much' in Liberation musical

St Mary's pupils performed Make Do and Mend at Jersey Arts Centre

Jersey pupils said they "learnt so much" about the island's occupation during World War Two by doing a special musical.

Pupils from St Mary's and Le Moye primary schools performed Make Do and Mend on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Jersey Arts Centre.

It follows the story of fictional 11-year-old Collette, who is a diary writer as she documents her experiences under German rule.

It was originally written for the 50th anniversary of Liberation Day but was rewritten for the 80th anniversary by staff at St Mary's.

Cameron and Mia played Collette's brother and mother

Cameron, 10, played Collette's brother, while 11-year-old Mia was her mother in the musical.

Cameron said: "I learnt so much from doing the show... [including finding out] there were ration books and there wasn't much to eat at all."

Mia added: "You learn more as you go... [being on stage] was quite nerve-wracking but, after a while, it got really fun."

Philip Richardson got emotional watching his daughter perform in the musical

Philip Richardson's daughter Annabella played the leading role of Collette.

He said it was "incredibly moving" and "the whole of the cast were phenomenally good".

Mr Richardson added: "There was a tear in my eye when I saw Annabella perform; but it was a professional performance from everyone, which blew my mind."

Maria Stegenwalner was involved in the original production of Make Do and Mend

St Mary's Primary School head teacher Maria Stegenwalner said she was proud of her pupils' performance.

She said: "They were absolutely marvellous... the children were amazing because, if I couldn't meet them to rehearse, then they would get together to do their own rehearsals.

"I was thinking about how we could keep this going so that, for the 100th anniversary, schools have this as a resource."

Sold-out crowds watched the performances