The Manchester College students take to the airwaves on BBC Radio 4 drama

A group of our second year Acting for Live and Recorded Media students, from The Arden, got a unique opportunity to feature in a read-through of a national radio drama.

The Manchester College students worked with a range of actors on BBC Radio 4 drama The Midwich Cuckoos, including The Arden tutor Rachel Austin, who still regularly appears on afternoon plays, and The Arden alumnus Cherylee Houston.

Rachel said: “I was absolutely thrilled with each students’ composure, confidence and professionalism.

“I’m so proud to be building these exciting connections within the industry and I hope we can continue to ensure our students get the best opportunities when embarking upon a career in the arts.”

Participating in a read-through for this adaptation of John Wynham’s 1957 novel gave students an important insight into the preparation that goes into a performance, where writers and the production team can get a feel for the play before recording.

Through Rachel’s industry links, our students get exposure like this throughout their time here, from the opportunities above to observing full recordings of dramas at Media City.

Student Milly Downing (pictured far left) said: “It was an amazing opportunity to network and work alongside some of the industry’s professionals.

“I felt welcome and comfortable from the get-go and loved having an insight into their day-to-day jobs.”