A MOVING play commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War was performed by pupils at Ryedale School.

More than 100 students were involved in Clowns at Midnight, which was written by English and drama teacher Jonathan Lewis.

The play incorporated a range of themes related to war and made authentic use of First World War costumes, songs and extracts from contemporary diaries.

Andrew Moxon, head of performing Arts, said: “Clowns at Midnight was intended to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, and was designed to represent theme connected with the war in a respectful manner.

"A large variety of curriculum classes and extra-curricular groups took part and pupils have worked very hard throughout the term.”

Mr Moxon said as well as acting, the performance included dance, singing and a full wind band.

“Mr Lewis wrote a play around which the varied performances hung, involving the real-life dramas of invented characters affected by the war. He examined those left behind and those who went off to fight and also had characters from the working classes and upper classes,” he said.

“Extracts were also read in French and German as well as English to communicate the factthat the horrors of the war were endured by all involved countries.”