A Helsby High School pupil is preparing to perform on the West End stage in an adaptation of School of Rock.

Year 8 student Tom Abisgold, from Helsby, will star in the show which features music from Andrew Lloyd Webber.

School of Rock - The Musical follows slacker Dewey Finn as he tries to transform a class of straight-A students into a rock band.

Tom will be one of three boys playing the part of Zack, lead guitarist in the school’s newly formed group.

The original film, which starred Jack Black, Joan Cusack and Sarah Silverman, was released in 2003.

Jack Black in School of Rock

The musical adaptation has been brought over to the UK after a successful run in New York.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I’m delighted to be bringing School of Rock to the West End.

“This follows what has been a hugely exhilarating experience creating and opening the show on Broadway, where we’ll soon celebrate our first birthday.

“As many people know I’m passionate about children engaging with music from an early age.

“To that end I cannot wait for UK audiences to see the remarkably talented group of young actor musicians we have found for our production.

“They’re currently blowing the roof off our rehearsal rooms working with our wonderful cast of grown-ups led by the hilarious David Fynn.”

When Dewey poses as a supply teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet he discovers his fifth graders’ musical talents.

He enlists them class to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands competition.

Tom’s character Zack goes on his own journey from playing classical guitar to heavy metal riffs.

As Dewey falls for the beautiful headmistress, can he and his students keep this special assignment secret as they learn to fully embrace the power of rock?

School of Rock - The Musical opens at the New London Theatre on November 14.

Helsby High School said they would like to wish good luck to Tom and the rest of the cast and crew.