PERFORMING arts students at Bury College have received an insight into life in the industry during a visit from one of the North West's leading theatre directors.

Ben Occhipinti, associate director of the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, visited the college, in Market Street, last week to offer students an access all areas pass to a working theatre production.

Whilst there, he faced a question and answer session where students asked him about his latest production of A Christmas Carol, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' festive classic.

The students were given the opportunity to watch the show before interviewing Mr Occhipinti about why he chose to direct it the way he did, how he made certain decisions, as well as how he handled criticism.

Mr Occhipinti said: “It is amazing for me to have the opportunity to talk to our audience and chat to them about the production. I also really enjoyed offering my personal and professional advice to the students.”

During the session, he shared his experiences of theatre and how he directed a production with students.

He also encouraged them to continue with their studies and to put hard-work, passion and commitment into everything they do.

Level three performing arts student Jouko Väisänen, a former Bury Church of England School pupil, said of the session: "I would like to work in the theatre so today was a real eye-opener.

"I learnt a lot about how the industry works and how to work with different directors."