AGAINST a backdrop of falling snowflakes and live music, the talented cast of Frozen chilled and thrilled a small but enthusiastic audience at Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby.

From the opening scenes featuring Frankie Fox as the excitable, mischievous young Elsa and Daisy Welch as the open-hearted young Anna, magic was clearly in the air.

Mind you, something else was in the air too, and the school’s fire detection system was to interrupt the action more than once, fooled by the ‘smoke’ of dry ice.

The secondary school’s production of the West End musical was overseen by Vision Arts, working alongside staff and volunteers to create an engaging rendition of the ever-popular story.

Truly thankful for their input, headmaster Mr Haynes also gave credit to the young performers when he said: “This show has been a true celebration of our pupil’s creativity, dedication and teamwork.”

Led by Clive Raymond on piano and Ben Richards at the drums, the eight-piece live band packed a punch and, no doubt, bolstered the children’s confidence as they sang out clearly and with confidence - but sometimes not in the same key as the musicians; the score sounds quite challenging!

There was some stellar acting from the children, great lines and proper tidy dancing by so many of the performers. The snowman Olaf - skilfully played and puppet-mastered by Eddie Hunt - was absolutely hilarious. So too was the Hygge song and dance with Sophie Gilmartin as Oaken - beautifully choreographed, with perfect timing for maximum laughs.

Another huge highlight was the ‘romance’ between Hans (Olivia Jennings) and Anna (Darcie Merriman). They were so together - in word and movement, that the feeling that they were right for each other was irresistible, and it was actually quite an adjustment to learn much later on that Hans was not sincere and that this ‘true love’ had been an illusion.

Ioan Evans, as the Duke of Weaseltown - sorry, Weselton - looked and acted the part with a flourish. Meanwhile Kristoff (Arianna Chapman) and the taciturn reindeer Sven (Ava Sloan) did a wonderful job, proving an eccentric but dependable pair and ultimately the warmest of all the characters.

Sophie Mansell, as Elsa, embodied depths of sadness, singing soulfully and with power. Of course, her song ‘Let it Go’ is an iconic climax of the show and the one you keep listening to in your head after the curtain ‘falls’. But Frozen was very much Darcie’s show as it’s ultimately Anna’s story, and combining expressive acting with a good singing voice, she created a very likeable and believable character.

The whole performance was elevated with atmospheric lighting - all credit to the tech team.

I never felt the desire to see the Disney film, and now I’m glad I held out for a better introduction to Frozen. Bravo, Ysgol Greenhill!

Mr Haynes observed: “Over recent weeks, we have seen friendships deepen, confidence grow, and teamwork flourish.”

He added: “We are incredibly proud of the children who have poured their energy and enthusiasm into every line, every note, and every step.”