MORE than 400 children from seven Southampton schools saw a hit theatre production.

The primary age pupils also met the cast of Jacqueline Wilson’s Olivier award nominated Hetty Feather at the Nuffield Theatre - with the acrobatic actors sharing a wealth of tips on how they created their magical production.

The event over two days was part of the ‘Start’ programme, which creates affordable trips for children with fewer opportunities to engage with the arts.

NST’s Bill Sainsbury said: “It was quite crazy with so many kids but there was a lovely atmosphere.

"The actors gave them some tips on how they create different characters - they do three or four characters each in the play and there was lots of oohs and aahs”.

Schools taking part were Mason Moor Primary, Holy Family RC Primary, Sinclair Primary, Bitterne Park Primary, Hollybrook Junior School, Sholing Junior School and Redbridge Primary