Ellesmere Port based drama students tackled the issue of mental health on stage.

The students, studying performing arts at West Cheshire College, took part in a unique performance alongside former student Leianna Owens to raise awareness about mental health.

Leianna, 27, previously at the college, is in her final year studying community drama at LIPA which is based in Paul McCartney’s old school and is now a specialist school for the performing arts.

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Leianna worked with the students to produce a 20 minute performance based around mental health in young people.

Ellesmere Port based college drama students tackled the issue of mental health on stage. Project leader Leianna Owens, 27. Pic supplied by WCC.
Ellesmere Port based college drama students tackled the issue of mental health on stage. Project leader Leianna Owens, 27. Pic supplied by WCC.

She said: “As part of my final year project for LIPA I chose to work with a community group to develop and produce a piece of participatory theatre. As I had previously been a student at West Cheshire College I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with them again.

“I chose mental health in young people as it is an extremely important issue that is often misunderstood or unrecognised plus West Cheshire College also works hard to raise awareness of the issue amongst their students.”

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Eight first year performing arts students from the college took part in the performance which was based around a main character who was struggling with depression and anxiety as she moved from college to university. The piece was then performed to more than 150 students at the college.

Leianna added: “As a piece of participatory theatre there was a written script. However the main focus was to lead discussions with the audience, to encourage everyone to participate, learn and be involved in the performance so there were some improvised sections.”

Ellie Moore, 19, who was one of the students who took part, commented: ”It was fantastic to be involved with this production. Not only did I learn a lot about the issue of mental health but it was also a great opportunity to challenge myself in terms of my improvisation skills.”

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Leianna, who has secured a place as a drama teacher, says she owes a ‘huge amount’ to the college and in particular to her tutor Paul Moss.

“It was thanks to Paul’s advice and guidance that I went on to study at LIPA and now I am excited to take my next step towards becoming a drama teacher,” she explained.