Talented drama students from Bishops’ Blue Coat CE High School are heading to the Lake District to take part in a National Theatre youth festival.

The students, from Years 8-13, will perform Deborah Bruce’s play at the National Connections Theatre Festival.

Set in an old people’s home, the action takes place in the week that Josie Fowler dies.

Her teenage grandchildren reminisce about their memories of her and the residents in the home feel the effects of her death on their lives as her funeral takes place.

The play deals with a variety of issues such as dementia, grief and adolescence but questions whether age actually changes us.

Drama teacher Rob Otton said: “The students have worked extremely hard and we are very proud of their professionalism and ability to deal with such sensitive issues.

“They have worked tirelessly despite the pressure of deadlines and exams; they are a credit to themselves.”

The students will perform the piece at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal on Friday, May 2.

Connections is the National Theatre’s annual festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools.

It aims to inspire 13-19 year olds with high-quality new play-writing, give companies the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring the plays to life and encourage young people to get involved in all aspects of theatre-making.