STANWELL School in Penarth is to stage a UK-wide first, with performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical The Phantom of the Opera – and Lord Lloyd Webber himself could be in the audience!

The performances, running from December 12 to 15, will be the first school production of the show anywhere in the UK, after the script was released as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the global phenomenon.

Lord Lloyd Webber’s office have reserved seats, although it is not yet known whether the composer himself will attend.

Phantom of the Opera opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London on October 9, 1986, with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the leading roles - and has enjoyed unparalleled worldwide success.

Telling the tale of the beautiful soprano Christine Daaé, her childhood sweetheart and the mysterious Angel of Music, Phantom of the Opera is a story of love, music and dangerous obsession. It has been seen by more than 130 million people, and the show has won more than 50 major theatre awards.

The school had to apply to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Really Useful Group’ for a licence to use the score, which has never been released to anyone other than professionals in the UK before.

A Really Useful Group spokseman said: “We are delighted that Stanwell School is the first in the UK to perform The Phantom of the Opera, as we know they have a great reputation for their productions.

“Stanwell will be the only school in the UK to perform Phantom in its 25th anniversary year, following on from spectacular celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall last month, and we wish them all the best for their performances.

“We are unable to confirm if Andrew will attend himself at this time,” the spokesman added.

Stanwell also staged the premier UK school performance of 'Les Miserables' in 2002.

Janice Richards, Head of Performing Arts, said: "At Stanwell we have a long tradition of excellence in Music and Drama.

"The feeling throughout the school is one of excitement and anticipation, as Phantom is such an iconic and popular musical.

"I know our talented students and staff will rise to the occasion."

Head of Drama, Rhian Davies, who is directing the show, said: "Phantom is different from previous productions at the school. It has a darker feel and is a mature musical with real vocal challenges for a young cast."

But the cast members are buzzing with excitement. Miles Braithwaite, 17, playing the role of the Phantom, says it is a "dream role".

The teenager will even get a one-on-one session with local star Peter Karrie, famed internationally for his portrayal of the Phantom, prior to the first performance.

Fiona Bell, who will be playing Christine, said: "I cried, and my mum cried too when we heard I had got the role." And Joseph Keenan, who will play the romantic lead Raoul, confessed that he is ‘nervous but really excited’.

Tickets for the production which runs from December 12-15 are available from the school office priced £9 adults and £7 for concessions.