There's No Business Like Snow Business!

Summer may almost be upon us but Performing Arts students at Edge Hill are feeling decidedly chilly.

As part of the new Drama, Physical Theatre and Dance degree, undergraduates have had to endure some inclement weather?indoors!

During 'The Strange and Captured Dreams of a Child Who Longed for Snow? ? an original production performed at the Rose Theatre as part of the second year students? assessment ? the stage was transformed into a winter wonderland courtesy of a state-of-the-art snow machine.

Performing Arts lecturer Helen Newall said: "Although it wasn?t meant to be a public performance a number of people came in to watch and were taken aback by what they saw.

"The language of Physical Theatre tends to be visual rather than verbal, and so it appeals to an audience?s imagination in a different way from mainstream performance work. We used a simple set - the plain black backdrop - so that the snow fall would have a much stronger impact."

Chris Hemsley, a drama student who stopped by to watch the production, said: "The performance really blew me away ? in fact, I would really love to be involved in something similar."

Six-year-old Joe Baxter also enthused: "It?s really good mummy, no it's really good."

The students involved in the play will be among the first cohort to graduate from Edge Hill with a Drama, Physical Theatre and Dance degree next year.

"There are very few degrees throughout the country which incorporate Physical Theatre, and, although it is early days yet, the students have thoroughly enjoyed it.

"In fact, from September this year things will only get better as the students will spend much of their time working and performing in our new £5m Performing Arts building."

Picture: Let it snow?leading lady Laura McClain and 10-year-old Laurie Newall experience a winter wonderland.