A TALENTED cast of young thespians took audiences back to the 1980s when they staged Alan Ayckbourn's A Small Family Business.

Students at Bolton Sixth Form College performed the play, directed by Gemma Cooper, teacher of performing arts,over two nights.

Nicola Sodano, acting head of performing arts, said: "The play has taken the cast and the audience back to the 1980s with big hair and a fantastic soundtrack.

"The costumes and the set are very authentic with everything vintage 80s.

" The students have found this a challenge, playing to themes of dark humour but making the audience laugh out loud constantly.

" They have enjoyed a different acting style, and of course exploring the fashion, make up and culture.The audience were greeted with classic 1980s party tracks and snacks before enjoying the show."

Proceeds raised through donations made on the door will go to the Share Homeless Charity set up by former student Jake Kirkman.

The show is one of a number of events staged by the college to raise awareness of the plight of people who have no where to call a home.

Recently students interviewed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for their BBC School Report — a national initiative in which young people become journalists — as part of their documentary on homelessness.