Oldham gets the Essex touch

NEVER mind Essex — local college life will be the subject of a new play called “The Only Way is Oldham”.

Performing arts students from Oldham College have written and are starring in the production about what life is like at the college.

The six budding actors are currently taking their play on tour to schools and Academies around the region to show younger pupils the benefits of vocational education and the types of subjects they could study.

Schools they have visited during the tour include Oldham Academy North, The Hathershaw College, Waterhead Academy and Falinge Park School.

The play begins with the six characters at school and then follows them through college education and beyond.

Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, Rachel Eden, said: “Our students have really risen to the challenge of creating such an exciting piece of theatre and are revelling in the opportunity to share their experiences of college with younger pupils in schools.”

One of the students Joshua Jones (18) said: “It has been amazing being part of the theatre company and touring with our play.

“To be able to put on a performance in front of an audience each day has been great and I feel like a real actor.”

The students, who also include Jordan Reece, Jessica Anderson, Stephanie Prince, Monique and Adam Downey are all part of Front Row — the college’s theatre company.

Students studying performing arts can audition to be part of this company.

The play has been directed by the team at 2Tour Theatre, a professional theatre company based in Mossley, who have also mentored the students in Front Row.