Billed as “Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before”, a new school production of a Terry Pratchett classic is set to take audiences by storm.

Dunmow Broadcast: Newport Free Grammar School's new drama production, Wyrd Sisters.Newport Free Grammar School's new drama production, Wyrd Sisters. (Image: Archant)

Students at Newport Free Grammar School are gearing up for their play, Wyrd Sisters, a Discworld classic, which is running from tonight to Saturday in the school hall.

The production is a change from the academy’s tradition of putting on musicals, and will give the school’s gifted, aspiring actors a chance to shine.

The cast is drawn from Years 8 to 13 and is packed with talented actors and actresses who have given their time during lunch breaks, after-school sessions and weekends to rehearse for the show.

Head of drama Raeesa Aniff said: “This is Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before and probably never will again!

“For those diehard fans of Pratchett’s Discworld, it will be familiar and will transport you into the amazing world of his stories.

“For those of you who are new to Pratchett, it will just be tremendous fun.

“There’s a wicked duke and duchess, the ghost of a murdered king, some rather simple soldiers, actors, strolling players all in a whole kingdom in trouble.

“The excitement would not be complete without Nanny Ogg, Magrat Garlick and Mistress Weatherwax, Pratchett’s ­fantastical witches!”

This will be the last ­performance for co-lead actresses Rebecca Jones, Millie Smith and Phoebe Watts, who have all starred in previous shows at the school.

They will be moving on in the summer after completing their A-levels.

Phoebe, who plays Magrat Garlick, said: “We are really excited to show off all of the hard work put into this play.

“The three witches are all very different characters and it has been great fun for us to discover their personalities through our rehearsals.”

Headteacher Gordon Farquhar said: “I am extremely proud of the commitment shown by the whole cast and crew and cannot wait to see the fruits of their labour on stage!”

Tickets for the shows, which begin at 7.30pm with a matinee performance on Saturday at 2pm, can be bought from the school finance office. Call 01799 540237.