London trip was roaring success for Hartlepool pupils

More than 40 drama group pupils from Throston Primary School enjoyed a whirlwind visit of the capital which included seeing hit show The Lion King in the West End.

Teachers say the theatre visit inspired the youngsters ahead of their own production of the musical in school next month.

The kids also visited some real lions at London Zoo and the famous lion statues in Trafalgar Square.

Headteacher Mark Atkinson said: “They had a fabulous time, it was great for them to experience real life theatre, especially in the West End.

“Hopefully it provided inspiration for them when they do their own show by seeing the best in the world and will want to emulate it in school.

“For most of the children it was their first time away from home.”

The children also fitted in a visit to see all sorts of mind-boggling exhibits in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not attraction in London’s bustling Picadilly.

The drama group have been preparing for their production of The Lion King since last September.

They will perform it on June 13-15 at the school in Flint Walk.

The trips to London have become an annual event for the drama group.

Mr Atkinson added: “We have done them for eight years now and see a different play each year.

“We hope it inspires the children and that hopefully one of them will go into the West End and we will go to see them on stage when they are older.”