Cheshire College – South & West celebrated its fifteenth year collaborating with Theatre Porto by touring a comedy showcase called “Strange Encounters” around local primary schools.

The project involved Theatre Porto staff doing writing workshops with Year 6 students from different primary schools in Ellesmere Port. The pupils were challenged to write short, weird, imaginative scenes, which would then be performed by Cheshire College students in Strange Encounters.

When casting the show, Theatre Porto auditioned nineteen Cheshire College students, and eight lucky performers were given the chance to star in the production.

Phil Cross, Associate Director of Theatre Porto: “It was an amazing experience to work with the Cheshire College students. When we went back to the schools to perform Strange Encounters, you could see the primary school pupils lighting up and saying “that’s my scene!” or “that’s my character!” It’s a very special collaboration.”

Natasha Chapman, Access and Pastoral Lead at Theatre Porto was equally glowing about the venture: “The Cheshire College students are a really talented and committed group. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow and they had a great willingness to take direction and work with anyone. I’m going to really miss them!”

Drama and Acting Lecturer Paul Moss said: “The students did so well this year, their standard of work was really high, and it was useful doing the audition process because it gives everyone a better sense of how this will work professionally when they’ve left College. All I can say is roll on year sixteen, because the standard just keeps getting better year-on-year!”

Throughout their studies, Cheshire College students have access to recording and sequencing studios and a fully equipped theatre with control desks, lighting, and staging equipment. Lecturers can also support with audition techniques, whilst also sharing their connections within the industry for potential job opportunities.

Find out more at www.ccsw.ac.uk.