A Suffolk school is 'absolutely thrilled' after students made a prestigious theatre award's shortlist in a number of categories. 

Pupils at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge have been shortlisted in the Best Production and Best Supporting Actor categories of the National School Theatre Awards (NST) for their upper school production of The Little Mermaid.

Samuel Earthroll (as Sebastian) and Sam Garratt (as Scuttle) have been shortlisted for the Best Supporting Actor award individually.

READ MORE: Farlingaye High School studio opened by The Durrells star

East Anglian Daily Times: Samuel Earthroll has been shortlisted for the Best Supporting Actor awardSamuel Earthroll has been shortlisted for the Best Supporting Actor award (Image: Farlingaye High School)The school's head Peter Smith said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated for the NST awards.  

"We’re so proud of all the brilliant students and staff involved and this recognition for their efforts is hugely deserved.

"The production was an utter triumph and so wonderful to see, showcasing the very best of what makes our school community so special."

READ MORE: Woodbridge Farlingaye High School pupils take on annual walk

A cast of more than 60 students took part in the sold out production in March, along with a student orchestra, backstage and lighting help.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sam Garrett has been shortlisted in the Best Supporting Actor category as ScuttleSam Garrett has been shortlisted in the Best Supporting Actor category as Scuttle (Image: Farlingaye High School)Former pupils also returned to help backstage, while Milly Brooks, also an ex-student, used recycled materials to design and make the costume of Ursula, a villainous sea witch in the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

Students were also involved in designing the set, including the turtles and coral made from recycled plastic and organised the interval refreshments.

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

READ MORE: Suffolk news

Part of the production's aim was to highlight pollution and the potential solutions.

Representatives of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), which represents amateur theatre groups, were present at the show.

Their report on the performance said: “This cast of well over 60 students included supporting actors, a vast ensemble with dancers, sea creatures and gulls.

"They were all amazing with a plethora of excellent songs and some innovative dance routines including a delightful Seagull kick-line.

"The 18-piece orchestra was very accomplished in their playing with their numerous different instruments."