JOHN Masefield High School really put its credentials as an arts college on the line during Ledbury Poetry Festival, with this ambitious show.

But the new music theatre piece, inspired by the early life and works of John Masefield, was a huge success and a showcase for a wealth of talent among the students.

Those expecting a simple linear biography, with perhaps one person as the former poet laureate, might have been puzzled, because a number of students, both male and female, were reciting or singing Masefield's words.

Indeed, I understand that the performance was first conceptualised as a "no-man opera" as far back as 2003, although the character of Masefield on the night was most identified with a would-be rock star character called Jay Stepper.

Jay is tempted away to sea by Reynard the Fox, who promptly recites a snatch of Masefield's most famous poem, Sea Fever.

There is a New York bar scene, where the real Masefield found himself stranded as a teenager.

But director Christine Watkins decided to make no clear division between circumstances in Masefield's work and the details of his life.

For me, the most impressive moments came when scenes from two of Masefield's longer poems, The Everlasting Mercy and Dauber, were brought to life through recital, acting and dance.

All vocal performances were very accomplished and the orchestra was excellent throughout.

At the close, I heard one member of the audience wish he had been more familiar with the poet's work beforehand.

But he also expressed a fervent desire to go back to the poetry of Led-bury's most famous son.

Perhaps that was the highest compliment anyone could pay to this marvellous show.

GARY BILLS-GEDDES