YOUNG thespians have used the power of theatre to help teenagers deal with the dramas they are facing.

Performing arts students at Bolton Sixth Form College have just completed their first tour visiting local schools with their special educational production addressing issues such as body-image, mental health and peer pressure.

The thought-provoking issue-based theatre is part of their theatre in education module and the aim was to educate pupils on a variety of issues through an engaging performance and helping them to take control of whatever they were facing.

The students also staged workshops with their young audience.

"I feel like the issues portrayed in our pieces are issues that many teenagers go through, but conversations surrounding these issues are not common. This performance will help to break down stigma towards mental health and other issues both in teenagers and adults," saidLauren Patel, a performing arts student.

The experience also taught them first-hand what it is like to be a working actor on a Theatre in Education Tour.

Gemma Cooper, teacher of drama and performing arts said: "This unit provides the students with fantastic vocational experience as a professional touring actor; visiting a range of local schools to perform thought provoking issue based drama exploring important socially relevant topics for young people.

"Our students will gain an understanding of the energy, enthusiasm and discipline needed to work as a Theatre in Education practitioner."

School visited by the theatre company were Bury CE School, Sharples School, St Josephs’s RC School and St James’s CE High School,with the pupils saying the performances gave them plenty to think off.