SCHOOL pupils are to brave the cold to make sure their Christmas show goes ahead this year.
The production at Awsworth Primary School looked like it wouldn't go ahead after refurbishment work to the hall meant there was little space to rehearse or perform.
However, teachers Ian Baxter and Claire Watson stepped in and suggested the school put on the performance outside.
After a month of rehearsals, children from year 5 and 6 will now be hoping for warm and dry weather as they perform the Dickens classic David Copperfield, in the school's playground.
Head teacher Jane Mainprize said: "It's all come together against all odds and the children are really excited about the performance.
"There was a sense of disappointment when the original plans were cancelled, but we understand how important the refurbishment work is to the school.
"But then two teachers came up with the idea of holding the performance outside, which is fantastic.
"The pupils have been learning about the Victorians so performing David Copperfield in the cold will give the students a real appreciation of what life was like then."
Two performances will be held at the school – one tomorrow for the pupils and another for parents on Friday, at 2.20pm.
Mrs Mainprize said: "The performances will be short, because we don't want the children getting too cold, and we will be serving hot chocolate and mulled wine for the parents."
Among the pupils taking part in the performance will be 11-year-old James Clarke, who will be playing David Copperfield.
He said: "The play is something that I have been looking forward to for a long time.
"I think the cold will give the play a really good atmosphere and hopefully our costumes will keep us warm.
"I feel a little bit nervous about the play, but it should be a really good thing to be part of."
Ian Baxter, year 5 and 6 teacher and teaching coordinator, said: "The children have taken to the challenge really well – it was a case that we looked at the situation and decided that it would be a great idea to hold the performance outside.
"We have told the children to wear plenty of layers to make sure they are warm and we are keeping an eye on the weather forecast.
"I think we can deal with the cold on the playground without too many problems.
"The play is coming together really well and now we're all set to put on a great show."
