AUDIENCES were wowed in Crediton last week by a dazzling array of talent which took to the stage at Queen Elizabeth’s School.

Students from Years Seven and Eight, members of QE Theatre Academy, staged for the week the Disney musical “Moana JR”.

Moana was wonderfully played by Erin Zorlu with Maui by highly-talented Rory Doyle.

They, like so many, gave stand-out performances.

Chief Ancestors were Emily Petherick, Aya Richards and Megan Williams with Te Ka/Te Fiti played by Florence Albrighton.

Evan Wheeler was Chief Tui with Ruby Trayhurn-Jones as Sina, Fynn Cleaver as Hei Hei, Pau by Esther Smith, Gramma Tala by Bell Gurney and Tamatoa by Pholebe McLoughlin.

Left Claw was Will Whish with Alice Rice as Right Claw.

Villagers were Isabelle Tripp, Philip Tripp, Macey Lake, Leela-Ray Parr, Agnes Olsson, Thora Cliffe-Duffield and Finlay Carr as Fisher One.

Other students were the Ocean, Ancestors, Villagers and Maui, the Monster and Shiny.

The story revolves around the thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age tale of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage.

She and the demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as she learns to harness the power that lies within.

Adapted for young performers, this musical included many favourite songs and with its empowering message of bravery it was a fun show to watch.

Emily Morgan, director, choreographer and musical director, said the process to bring the production to stage began in March with 80 nervous auditions, of which 40 alone auditioned for the lead part of Moana.

She said that the cast showed great resilience and determination throughout rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday after school and many Sunday rehearsals too.

Emily explained that for a great number of the cast, this was their first ventures into the world of musicals and performing in front of a large audience.

She said they rose to the challenge, learning lines, choreography and so much more.

“I’m proud of how hard the cast worked on the language of the show.  It’s not easy!”

She added: “We had a very successful run, selling out all of the tickets and having to add in extra seats!

“It was a very emotional cast after the final bows, and lots of new friendships and memories made.

“It made all the hard work worthwhile and has been a real reminder to me of why I teach!”