Drama students from Ballakermeen High School will all be dressed up in yellow wellies to present a riotous and energetic modern take on a classic children’s fairy tale for their end-of-year play.

The school drama group will perform ’Honk Jnr! The Musical’ at the school’s own Studio Theatre next week, from Tuesday November 20 to Friday November 23.

The modern-day musical is a re-telling of the classic children’s fairytale the Ugly Duckling, and features Ugly, played by Robyn-Mae Lawler, a cygnet who accidentally falls into a ducks nest, and grows up shunned by the rest of the duck community.

Through her journey, Ugly is separated from her mother Ida and alcoholic, uncaring father, Drake, and is confronted by a host of weird and wonderful characters, and many of whom aren’t what they seem.

The play contains many positive moral messages of tolerance, acceptance and self-belief.

The show is described by the head of drama at Ballakermeen, Stephen Craige, as ’a vibrant, bold and fun show with a lot of heart, and said that his cast, aged from 11 to 18, have given their all to the production.

’I can’t say too much about them. They have all put so much effort into the show, and I couldn’t have asked for more from them ,’ said Stephen.

’There are more than 40 students taking part in this show, each of them dressed in a pair of yellow wellies. It will be a great spectacle.’