YOUNG thespians at Bolton School brought alive Alan Ayckbourn's comic play Ernie's Incredible Illucinations.

The lower school staged the production, and delivered a "a slick and purposeful performance" about the boy who vivid imagination came to life.

A spokesman for the school said: "Owais Khan relished the opportunity to open the play in the role of a German officer, who threatened that the audience would ‘never be seen again’ if they did not turn off their mobile phones!

"Ernie was expertly played in a bright and knowingly mischievous manner by Marcus Ashall-Payne and he was well supported by Matthew Settle and Thomas Hothersall in the role of Ernie’s parents.

He added: "The supporting cast added a real sense of fun to the play, with several boys taking on a variety of roles. The Fairground Touts were particularly convincing in persuading the crowds of the spectacles and acts available at the fair, and acted with both confidence and sheer enjoyment.

"Miss Holroyd, as director and producer, chose a fun and engaging play, perfectly suited to the cast, who all pulled off a great performance with aplomb."