SHOPPERS in Weymouth were treated to a surprise performance ahead of a Christmas show.

Students from across performing arts courses at Weymouth College took part in a ‘flash mob’ on Sunday to promote their show Disco Inferno, which is taking place this week.

One student began the dance in New Bond Street to ‘Play That Funky Music’ with others joining in. Lecturer in dance at the college Lauren Whitehead said the response from shoppers was ‘fantastic’.

She said: “There was a massive crowd. We wanted to do it at a time when there would be lots of people out doing their Christmas shopping and there was a huge round of applause afterwards.

“It started off with just the music and one dancer and then more of the students joined in. It was just like a real flash mob that you see on television.”

The students, all aged between 16 and 18, were the ‘driving force’ behind the promotion.

Lauren added: “They have been working so hard on this performance and they were so keen to go out and raise awareness of it.

“They helped come up with the routine. I think they really enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun.”

The play is set in a 1970s disco hall and follows the story of a young man who is trying to follow his dream of becoming a professional singer.

Lauren said: “There are loads of larger than life characters.”

The show will be held at Bay Theatre, Weymouth College, at 7.30pm tomorrow and Thursday.

There will also be an additional performance at 1pm on Thursday.