COLLEGE students took to the stage last week and wowed audiences with their production of Made In Dagenham.

Pupils at Richard Huish College in Taunton performed the show between February 16 and 19 in the college's brand-new Redwood Theatre.

The college was forced to postpone the performance on Friday, February 18, due to Storm Eunice, but managed to hold the show on the Saturday night instead.

Many students studying a range of different subjects came together to perform the show, which included dance numbers to Busy Women, Storm Clouds and title track Made in Dagenham.

Laura Clayson played the main character, Rita O'Grady.

Director and course manager for vocational drama, Gemma Thompson, said: "I am so proud of all our students! This has been a complicated and challenging year for all involved for obvious reasons. The students have worked hard to catch up with any missed rehearsals due to Covid and have been enthusiastic and full of energy in such uncertain times.

"They have really loved being a part of live theatre again and we have all loved teaching them. This is a brilliant show which retells the story of some amazing women from UK history who paved the way for equal pay. It has been a great experience learning about this pivotal moment and the students have done it justice.”

The Redwood Theatre was completed in September 2020 and has provided the college with a venue for lectures, RICHTalks, rehearsals and concerts.

Whilst the space has been used to host a variety of events (from live streamed music concerts to the filming of local primary school theatre productions), it has been unable to open its doors to the public for a large-scale production until now, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mary Tighe, former Richard Huish College governor, added: “I congratulate you for a fabulous performance of Made in Dagenham - it was just brilliant.

"My husband Paul used to assist in the Brewhouse and the Edinburgh Festival and just loved the show, he said how professional it was and showcased everyone's acting and musical talents which are just astonishing.

"We came home on a high and are still buzzing. Congratulations to all the staff and students who took part.”