AN ORIGINAL musical which was first performed almost 30 years ago is set for a revival.

Nemo’s Ball, a musical tale set under sea with words and music written by Bruce Michael Jackson, was first performed at Our Lady and St John’s High School, Blackburn in June 1989. Bruce was a teacher at the time.

Now, children from St Charles’ Primary School, Rishton, are set to stage the show at 2pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday July 18 and on Thursday July 19 at 6.30pm.

Vivien Baker, headteacher at St Charles’, said: “Bruce was my brother-in-law who died suddenly in 2014.

“Although Bruce was exceptionally creative and original, he couldn’t read or write music so he asked me to write it down for the band to perform from; I did and became a fan of the musical immediately.

“It was performed for the second time by children and staff from St Mary’s Langho in 1993 where I taught at the time.

“Nemo’s Ball has a clever plot which skilfully reveals the insecurities of the bolder and brash characters subtly.

“Similarly, Wally Whale, the unexpected hero, is brutally rejected by Shylock Shark, the self-appointed leader of the sea creatures - much to the displeasure of the lovely Stella Starfish.

“Wally, previously denounced for being ‘big, fat and ugly’ develops confidence after his visit to King Neptune and returns to help with the preparations for the ‘social event of the year’ – Nemo’s Ball.

“A double twist in the story sends Wally packing and Stella agrees to go to the Ball with Shylock.

“Advice from Henry the Hermit Crab is ignored and the terrible storm changes everything. How does it end? Well, come along and find out.”

Admission will be by ticket only to comply with fire regs and the school requests a donation to the foodbank in exchange for a ticket.