ZOO pals went back to their roots after a daring escape from New York landed them in their native Madagascar in a musical extravaganza that delighted families.
Year 5 and 6 pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School played to packed houses as they staged Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, written and scored by Kevin Del Aguila, George Noriega and Joel Someillan.
The hour long production featured Alex the lion, played by Lily Almandares, Marty the zebra, Thomas Lau, Melman the giraffe, Darcy Webb and Gloria the hippo, Matilda Small, as they travelled on an unforgettable journey to and around Madagascar, accompanied by Skipper the chief penguin, Bertie Kerruish, and welcomed to the jungle island by King Julien, Reuben Simpson and Maurice, Tobias Byrne.
Filled with adventure, laughter and musical numbers, set against a tropical backdrop and featuring brightly coloured costumes, the show brought to life the popular animated movie.
Teacher Amanda Chaloner said: “This lovely musical could have been written for Barney Prep as it celebrates our values of placing importance on friendships, teamwork, resilience and discovering who we really are.
“The whole cast threw themselves into the production and the result was superb.
“A special mention must also go to the senior school pupils who helped out teacher Chris Butler with the lighting and sound.
“We are so grateful to parents for providing the amazing costumes and to everyone who worked so hard backstage to produce something that was thoroughly enjoyed by our pupils and everyone who came to see it.”