The writers of the hit Broadway musical Hairspray have sent a special message to students, as they rehearse the show ahead of it's opening night.

In an email sent to the cast and crew at West Hatch High School in Chigwell, songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s said their "only request" was for students to share the "joy" of the musical.

The Laurence Olivier award winning songwriters said: “One has to sing every word with all the emotion you can bring to it, dance like your life depended on it, and make sure that every audience member leaves the theatre a little happier than they were when they came in.”

The musical, based on the 1988 film starring Debbie Harry, has been performed thousands of times all over the world since it opened in 2002.

It follows Tracy Turnblad, a "pleasantly plump" teenager, who dreams of fame and fights to perform on a local dance TV show.

The musical tackles issues of racism, obesity and includes prominent drag roles.

The songwriters said they hope the school’s version will make the audience, “a little more willing to accept all types of people, regardless of what they look like, to even search out people who are different than themselves and dance while they do it”.

West Hatch High School music teacher Mauro Sheehan said the cast were "very excited" to receive the email.

He said: “It drove home to them that even though it has been a massive worldwide success it is still the baby of two people and to hear from them was extraordinary.

“It lifted spirits towards the last few weeks of rehearsals.”

The production will be staged at the school in High Road, Chigwell from December 10 to 13.

Tickets are available by emailing nbell@westhatch.essex.sch.uk.