Alien director Ridley Scott gives thumbs up to high school theatre adaptation and funds second production

'Limitations often produce the best results because imagination and determination can surpass any shortfalls'

Ridley Scott has praised an American high school's elaborate stage adaptation of his science-fiction classic Alien.

Despite only seeing a snippet of the play, which went viral earlier this week, the director was moved enough to write a letter to the students of North Bergen High School, New Jersey.

"My hat comes off to all of you for your creativity, imagination and determination to produce an ambitious show," Scott wrote in a letter, obtained by Deadline.

"Limitations often produce the best results because imagination and determination can surpass any shortfalls and determine the way forward - always.

"Self-sufficiency is what this country was largely based upon with its immigrant population coming into a New World and working together."

The director continued: "Thanks for doing Alien, I felt very complimented... How about you next team production being Gladiator?"

Scott also said his production company, Scott Free, would be sending financial help to fund an encore performance of Alien.

Alien turned 40-years-old earlier this month. Read about the horror masterpiece here.