Budding actors at Ackworth School will perform A Vampire Story, written by Moira Buffini, to a packed audience of parents tonight.

The play, which tells the tale of two mysterious women who arrive in a small town and keep their true identities secret, was commissioned by theatre project New Connections as one of ten productions for schools to stage nationwide.

Rebecca Durham, head of drama, said: “The cast are very excited to be performing to their parents and a representative of the National Theatre, which produces New Connections.

“It’s a 25-strong cast and they’ve rehearsed since January, the play is set in modern times with flashbacks to around 1812 and is quite a difficult one to produce.

“All the students have been very committed and dedicated to learning their roles and the show.”

Thespians from Ackworth School will perform A Vampire Story at a regional showcase in April before New Connections culminates at a festival in London in July.