AN AUDIENCE of aspiring young thespians have been treated to a special theatrical performance by one of the stars of stage and screen.

Pupils from Wanstead High School watched Kevin Spacey tread the boards at the Old Vic as the lead actor in 1950s classic, Inherit the Wind.

The show was based on the trial of an American teacher who was prosecuted for teaching the theory of evolution in a Tennessee school.

The youngsters were treated to the performance as part of Wanstead High's membership of the 'Old Vic, New Voices' club - which also involved them producing a tableux of scenes from the play in a special workshop.

Drama teacher, Priscilla Jackman said: "Our students really enjoyed the experience of working with practitioners from The Old Vic.

"They particularly enjoyed the approach that practitioners took in dealing with characterisation and the thematic values of Inherit the Wind.

"Students are very excited about seeing the professional production this evening, and in particular, to witness how the actors, including Kevin Spacey and David Troughton, approach the characters that they have become familiar with through the workshop."

Tracey Phillipson, performing arts co-ordinator at the school, in Redbridge Lane West, said: "We are very much looking forward to developing our relationship with the Old Vic over the coming year and are really looking forward to the future productions which we are due to attend including Six Degrees of Separation in the New Year and As You Like it in the summer."

For more information on productions at the Old Vic visit: oldvictheatre.com.