STUDENTS at a Keighley school are taking centre stage.

Pupils at Beckfoot Oakbank are treading the boards with a production of Disney’s hugely-popular High School Musical.

Thirty-five students from across the school are involved.

The story sees Troy Bolton, the star athlete at a small-town high school, fall for nerdy beauty Gabriella Montez at a New Year’s Eve karaoke party.

When they return to campus a week later, Troy – played by Hannah Woollett – and Gabriella, aka Charlotte Bairstow, quickly become close friends and audition for an upcoming school musical.

But jealous Sharpay Evans, played by October Fox-Grange, conspires to scupper their chances.

The two heroes must struggle to make it to auditions while also meeting their obligations to the basketball team and an academic decathlon.

Beckfoot Oakbank performing arts and English teacher, Hannah Stubbs, who is in charge of the production, said she was “immensely proud” of all the students involved.

“They have demonstrated such dedication, resilience and enthusiasm throughout the High School Musical journey,” she said.

“They’ve rehearsed together for more than 90 hours over the last 18 weeks, alongside completing numerous hours of independent rehearsal, whilst continuing to succeed with their studies. This is such a huge achievement for them all.

“The show is guaranteed to be a wonderful night and all the staff and students involved urge people to come along and watch!”

Performances take place at the school on March 26, 27 and 28.

Doors will open at 6.30pm, for a 7pm start.

Tickets can be obtained, priced £5.50, by e-mailing carolsa@oakbank.org.uk.

The High School Musical franchise consists of three Disney musical romantic comedy-drama films, created by Peter Barsocchini.

The initial film was released simply as a Disney Channel Original Movie, but following its huge success, a television sequel followed.

The third instalment received a theatrical release.

And a spin-off, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, was released as a direct-to-video film.

The movies have developed a cult following, and a fourth is in pre-production.

Numerous international versions have been created, plus stage musicals and video games.

The original movie saw actor Zac Efron propelled to fame. He won the Teen Choice Award for Breakout Star.

He reprised the role of Troy Bolton in High School Musical 2 – in 2007 – which broke cable TV records, with 17.5 million viewers.