The sounds of the West End came to Didcot as dozens of teenagers stepped into the spotlight to stage a hit rock and roll musical.

Pupils from St Birinus and Didcot Girls’ School teamed up to perform Ben Elton’s We Will Rock You, based around the music of Queen, to a sell-out audience of hundreds at the boy’s school earlier this month.

Robin Jeffcoat Dick, 17, had the main part of Galileo during the four-night performance.

He is hoping to use the experience to pursue a career on the stage.

He said: “It was incredible. Playing the main character, you’re in the spotlight the whole time and it’s the most amazing feeling. It brings everyone together and creates a sense of teamwork that you don’t get in normal life.

“It’s almost like working hard for an exam, except the final outcome it so much better.

“In the last couple of weeks we were rehearsing every day. Jordan Morrison was one of the main characters and he had confidence issues to start with but he was sensational – and to see people push through their boundaries the way he did is amazing. It adds to the sense of achievement.”

The joint production by the two schools is an annual event involving months of auditions and rehearsals.