PERFORMING arts students are busy rehearsing the award-winning hard-hitting play Road for two performances next month that promise to be the best to date.

Road is gritty and challenging and set in Thatcher’s Britain in 1986 in a recession-hit Lancashire town with rising youth unemployment and the threat of general strikes.

Through the voice of narrator Scullery – student Josh Ridall – the play explores the lives and desperation in the community as he moves along the road visiting different characters.

The issues explored are relevant today but set in the 80s complete with bad perms, stiletto heels, new romantics and the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher.

It will be performed in the college studio theatre on Friday March 16 and Saturday March 17.

The second-years on the BTEC extended diploma in performing arts also performed for Prince Charles when he visited on Monday.

They are also currently travelling the country for auditions at top drama schools and universities for degree courses to start next year.

Drama tutor Bridget Robinson said Road was ideal for the “fantastic studio theatre”.