The cast of around 30 performers, half a dozen stage crew, teachers and community members have been hard at work learning the lines, music and stage directions in time for show week running from Tuesday June 15 to Saturday June 19.

When the students auditioned for the musical late last year, the production was spearheaded by drama teacher Scott Davis and music teacher Judy Ingram.

Part way through term one and early in the rehearsal schedule, Judy took leave for medical reasons and Scott transferred to a new school.

To keep the show on track well-known local theatre director, Maureen Hjorth was recruited to help out.

New to the art of theatre and working as an executive producer, teacher Layne Ross has been keeping things on track supported by fellow teacher Danica Enks, who is also learning the ropes.

But, as they say, the show must go on and the students are getting very excited about finally performing for a live audience.

Choosing a popular musical with well-known music was part of the drive behind the decision to go with Mamma Mia.

"It's a fun and energetic musical. It also has great music that continues to remain popular across all age groups," Layne said.

"Many of the performers were familiar with ABBA and the movie which stars Meryl Streep.

"It was interesting how many students knew the words to the songs even in the first read through of the script in term one."

Like musicals in the past, some of the roles have been split between two performers.

"We decided to split some main roles due to the talent and the fact that we had so many students audition and suited certain roles, we wanted to include as many people as possible," Layne explained.

The musical isn't just about those who are on stage - it takes a village of people to get everything ready.

All the backstage technical work, as well as the set design and construction, has been a major group effort by students and teachers.

"The set is based in Greece so we have focused a lot on Greek architecture.

"A lot of the scenes are based either in the taverna or at the beach so we tried to replicate these Greek settings in the set," Layne said.

"The setting includes a lot of floral decorations and greenery. The TAS department created a large jetty that protrudes from the front of the stage which the actors can walk out on."

To ensure the music is top-notch for the shows, several students and local musicians have been rehearsing as part of the live band.

Music teacher, Judy Ingram is due to return to the school in time for the production to hit the stage.

Tickets are on sale for the following public performances in the Gloucester High School hall all starting at 7pm: Tuesday June 15, Wednesday June 16, Friday June 18 and Saturday June 19.

Cost of tickets are adults $10, concession: $6 and a family of four $30.

Tickets available online at https://www.trybooking.com/BPTNT.