THE long-held dream of students at a Chester performing arts school has finally come true thanks to the staging of a much-loved musical at the city's main theatre.

For the past 23 years, Stagecoach Performing Arts School Chester has been providing the choir for Bill Kenwright's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat across the North West and North Wales at theatres, including Manchester Palace Theatre and Opera House and The Lowry, in more than 600 performances.

But they have never had the opportunity to perform the show in their home city - until now.

Chester and District Standard:

Photo: Pamela Raith

The choir for the show, which is made up of 64 children split into two teams, have worked with many Josephs over the last 23 years, including the current Joseph, Union J's Jaymi Hensley.

Children from the Chester stage school have also performed with Joe McElderry, Keith Jack, Lloyd Daniels and H from Steps.

With the hit show making its way to Chester as part of a UK-wide tour, the students of Stagecoach Chester were absolutely delighted to be invited to perform in the show at Storyhouse.

Chester and District Standard:

Photo: Pamela Raith

Lindsay Partington, principal of Stagecoach Chester, said: "The students have such an amazing time performing in 'Joseph' whichever theatre we are in but to be performing at Storyhouse is absolutely magical as they are performing to their local community at their local theatre'. Students from the Performing Arts School appeared on stage at Storyhouse for the very first time last year as part of the touring production of Evita.

To find out more about Stagecoach Performing Arts School Chester and the wide range of dance and drama activities on offer contact Stagecoach Performing Arts School, Chester on 01244 316187 or via email at contactchester@stagecoach.co.uk .

Full details are also available online at www.stagecoach.co.uk/chester