Last updated 11:47, Thursday, 01 May 2008

SCHOOL pupils are tackling the controversial subject of the ‘size zero’ in a world where body image is key.

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St Benedict's and Whitehaven School's 2008 Rock Challenge Dress Rehearsal. CAST CALL: The cast have their picture taken at the end of the dress rehearsal

The mounting pressure, particularly on young girls, to look a certain way has prompted students at Whitehaven and St Benedict’s schools to base a show on the subject.

Around 70 pupils are involved in the production of Drop Dead Gorgeous which is their entry at this year’s national Rock Challenge.

An annual dance event, the first round of the Rock Challenge takes place at Carlisle’s Sands Centre on Friday and Saturday where pupils from all over the county compete.

There are around 50 performers from the two schools, aged between 11 and 18, with the remainder of the pupils being involved back stage.

Their show – which features bugs and butterflies – looks at the lengths people will go to in achieving a perfect body and what happens when it is taken too far.

The idea for the show was their own, they have built and designed their own set, made costumes, as well as doing all their own make-up, hair and lighting.

Natasha Bragg, a former St Benedict’s School pupil, has been involved in the event for many years.

“It is very professionally done and I have always been very proud of it,” she said.

Working with the pupils has been Nicola Skillen, performing arts teacher at St Benedict’s, and Fiona Ramsey, a PE teacher at Whitehaven School.

Also taking part is Whitehaven’s Mayfield School.

They have based their show on a circus theme, featuring glitz and glamour, as well as grief and gloom.

The school is very enthusiastic about the show which they have been rehearsing since October.

Whoever wins the Cumbria event goes through to the Northern Grand Final in Grimsby. The top three from that event go through to a ‘premier division’.

Mayfield scooped some awards last year and Whitehaven/St Benedicts came second, while they have also had many awards over the years including being in the premier division.