SCHOOL productions don't usually draw in a huge crowd other than proud parents, carers or relatives — but one group attempting to break the mould is Whitty Kids.

The talented group of young pupils from Whitchurch Primary School has broken away from the stereotype of the 'typical school productions' and has 'dared to dream' for larger stages, larger audiences and bigger characters.

Witnessing a rehearsal of their up-and-coming production 'Ain't No Robber in this Town' it was hard to not be impressed by the youngsters' level of talent and enthusiasm.

The show is based around four American robbers and tells the tales of these four people and why they robbed banks — using 'flashbacks', music and songs.

The play has been written by Sarah Earley, a Whitchurch Primary School foundation stage teacher and drama co-ordinator, Toby Jasper, 22. Toby volunteers with the group along with Jack Turnock, a drama student at Plymouth College.

Rehearsing at home and during the club's sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the children have put a huge amount of effort into making the play something everybody would enjoy.

Although these children most definitely have theatrical talent running through their veins, the nurturing of the group's organisers and volunteers have helped the children with their skills and confidence — something for which the children are very grateful.

During a break, the 20 strong group told me what the Whitty Kids means to them — warming the hearts of every adult in the room as they explained what they have gained, from confidence to friends and trust.

Issey P, from Year 5, said: 'It's really good and it's a fun after school club and it helps improve our drama skills. I really enjoy it.

'It has helped us learn to project our voices which has helped in other social events in school and help build our confidence.'

From the words of Issey P to Year 5 pupil Polly, who said that at first she didn't want to speak and now wants all the lines —this drama group has proven its weight in gold to these talented youngsters.

Year 6 pupil Niamh said: 'It has helped me build in confidence, especially with being on stage — and I have seen everyone grow in confidence.'

Ruby, Year 6, said: 'It helps us speak to a big audience.'

Izzy C, Year 6, said: 'We all get along. You learn to trust the adults — if you have a problem at school you can trust them to talk to them about the problem.'

Sarah set up the group three years ago with Toby, exclusively for Whitchurch Primary children and said she was so proud of how the children had grown.

'As the years have progressed the children have grown in confidence and their skills and talents for acting and singing have vastly improved.

'The children need to be acknowledged for all their hard work and talent. We want more people to see their performances as well as their parents as more people need to witness what these youngsters can do.'

The show will be performed on a large stage within Tavistock College's main hall on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14.

Sarah added: 'I want to thank Eva Pearson, head of drama at Tavistock College, who has made it all possible for us to perform at the college.

'She not only sorts the use of the stage, she also helps us with anything we need, including the organisation of the front of house on the evening of our productions. And to Richard Tucker, the technician who helps with the set and gives up his time to do the lighting and sound on the nights of the production.

'It's down to Mrs Pearson that we are able to perform our third production at the college. They are lovely people who have helped pull it out of the bag for us.'

A special thank you was also given to Nikki MacKenzie, a parent of one of the Whitty Kids' members, who has painted all the group's scenes every year.

Under Whitty Kids' motto 'Dare to Dream' and under the guidance of Sarah, Toby and teaching assistant Sarah Hall the talents of these pupils have truly flourished.

'We want them to have their own identity and Whitty Kids is giving them an opportunity to shine,' said Sarah.

l Tickets for the performances on March 13 and March 14 are priced at £3 for adults and £1 for children and are available from Whitchurch Primary School.