A SCHOOL has been picked from hundreds to perform a play at the National Theatre.

Pupils from Debden Park High school in Loughton took part in New Connections, a project where each year 12 new plays are commissioned for and about young people, from some of the best contemporary playwrights.

Debden Park school chose Dirty Dirty Princess by Georgia Fitch, which explores the consequences of keeping secrets, and how a teenage girl's life is affected by sordid allegations about her.

The cast performed the play twice at their school in March before transferring the production to Hampstead for a special one off performance in May, where someone from the National Theatre came to judge their performance. .

The students were then chosen as one of 12 schools to perform the play at the National Theatre in July, after competing against other schools across the country.

Artistic Director at Debden Park Seb Ventura said: "There were around 200 schools taking part this year and for Debden Park students to be chosen as one of the 12 companies speaks volumes for the talents of the cast.

"They have worked extremely hard since January and although we were excited to perform this play at Hampstead Theatre in May we are even more thrilled to be able to perform it again on the world famous Cottesloe Square at The National Theatre."

For more details about the play or to book tickets to see it on July 2 visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.