The first production of Limelight's hit children's musical Dazzle! to be staged in China is in rehearsal at Dulwich College Shanghai.

The acclaimed international school, partner of Dulwich College London, has 1400 students from 40 nations.

Its motto is Detur Pons Mundo - “Building Bridges to the World”.

Polly Osborn, head of music, said: “Dazzle! is a fantastic show and combines an exciting story with wonderful music and drama. We are very excited about the production.”

She added: “It’s an ideal vehicle for our students to develop and showcase their talents, both on and off stage.”

The school has an international reputation for outstanding music and drama. Its own DCS theatre orchestra will play for Dazzle!

All junior school students have an opportunity to take part in a musical production during the year.

“The process of auditioning, rehearsing and performing builds confidence and themes can be used to enhance learning.

“After a young person has stood on a stage and taken risks in front of an audience, tasks like job interviews or business presentations seem far less intimidating!”

Dazzle!, written by award-winning UK composer Andrew Bailey, tells the story of Poppy Pringle who inherits a run-down seaside fun fair.

In a show packed with humour, heart-stopping moments and West End-quality songs, Poppy leads the fairground kids to save it from the bad guys and the bulldozers, and restore it to its former glory.

Since the show’s release two years ago, there have been more than 50 productions of Dazzle! by schools and youth theatre groups, with many more in the pipeline.

Songs from the show were performed at The Royal Festival Hall in London earlier this year as part of a concert of the best new children’s music.

Andrew said: “It’s great to see the show taking off, and not just in the UK but internationally.

"Other productions are currently under way in Cyprus and the Middle East, and we have currently a number of enquiries from the US.

“The show’s theme – of ids growing up, and setting out on life’s journey to confront evil and face the world  – has a universal relevance and appeal.”

Dazzle! was first show to be published by Limelight Musicals, formed to offer proven children’s musicals of outstanding quality. It is now the fastest growing publisher of children’s musicals in the UK.

Limelight’s latest show, Poptastic, is based on a children's school talent show.

“It starts local and ends up in the stratosphere!”, says Andrew. “It’s a feast of pop and youthful mayhem, the kids love it!”

For more details, visit www.dazzlethemusical.com , email andrew.limelight@btinternet.com or call 01342 312 215.