Northampton students shine on the stage

The University of Northampton's Final Year Actors Show 2017 features three shows will take place from Wednesday March 15 to Saturday March 18 at the Royal & Derngate. It will give students the opportunity to showcase their efforts and talents as a culmination of three years of training.

Posh by Laura Wade is about an Oxford student dining club called “The Riot Club”, a fictionalised version of the Bullingdon Club, of which a number of well-known politicians were allegedly members.

Pornography by Simon Stephens is composed of seven stories that serve as a countdown to the catastrophic attack on London on July 7, 2005.

Carol Churchill’s Vinegar Tom tells the story of two farm women named as witches by a man whose sexual advances they have spurned.

Student Conor McCreedy is playing James Leighton Masters in Posh.

He said: “Rehearsals for Posh are going very well and it’s looking to be a fantastic show with twists that will shock and intrigue.

“We are all very excited for the shows and hope everyone is looking forward to it as much as we are.

“The Royal shows are always the highlight of the year for us.”

Jessica Bridge, who is starring in Vinegar Tom, said: “I think this is the most exciting part of our course as it’s the biggest thing we get to do.

“We are working with a professional team which has been incredible.

“Four weeks of intense rehearsals is tiring, especially since Vinegar Tom has singing, but it’s so worth it.

“We have all learned so much from this experience as it’s the closest we’re going to get to the real industry.

“I adore the play and absolutely can not wait to perform it in it. The show is going to be fantastic.”

Chris Burdett, senior lecturer in acting and drama, said: “These shows are always a highlight of our graduating year.

“They often serve as a catalyst for our students’ careers and the quality of acting is always a pleasure to behold.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone in supporting great young talent.”

Ticket prices start at £12.75. For more details call the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk