SCHOOLS everywhere rounded off the academic term and got into the Christmas spirit with festive productions last week.

While some stuck with the traditional nativity scene depicting the birth of baby Jesus, other plumped for a more original take on seasonal dramatics – none more so than the pupils of Pirbright Primary School, who paid homage to author Roald Dahl with their show The Greatest Day.

Featuring all of the children’s novelist’s greatest characters, including Willy Wonka in his chocolate factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and the BFG, the Key Stage 2 show drew waves of applause from the captivated audience of mums and dads at the final curtain.

Meanwhile, over in Sythwood Primary School in Goldsworth Park, youngsters spiced up their nativity with a variety of songs and home-made and original costumes. Their traditional approach was a hit with watching parents, who were taken on a journey that retold the origins of Christmas.

Pyrford Primary School wanted their production to encapsulate the joy of the panto season, and they opted to fuse some of the all-time favourites together, creating a whole new story entitled Trouble in Panto Land.

With storylines colliding with festive cheer, the combined events within the unique plot gave a new twist to proceedings, making it a thoroughly enjoyable show for all.

But the action did not end with Pirbright, Sythwood and Pyrford, and with Christmas just around the corner, children in schools across the borough have showcased their talents to help winter wonder hit an all-time high.