A DRAMA student from Warrington Collegiate returned to his old school to help pupils with their performance of Oliver Twist.

Louis Allan, who was a pupil at Beamont Collegiate Academy before he began studying for his Performing Arts BTEC at Warrington Collegiate, gave up his free time to help out at rehearsals at the school.

He took on the role of Mr Brownlow in the production and hopes to encourage the school’s pupils to pursue a career in performing arts.

He said: “I feel that coming back to Beamont has given me a chance to help the students here because I didn’t have that help when I was here and it also helps me with my confidence when performing on stage.

“There are some really talented actors here at Beamont. The cast was made up from pupils from year seven right up to Year 10.

“To see how well they are doing, especially the younger pupils after just starting high school, is amazing. I hope I have been able to encourage them to pursue their passion. I just wanted to give something back.

“I loved it. Out of all of the shows I have down, I will never forget this and performing on my old stage.”

Year 10 pupil Harry Peacey, who played Fagin in the performance, said: “Louis has made a massive difference to the performance, he has given me some great tips that have helped with my acting.”

Michael Smith, Head of Creative and Digital Industries at Warrington Collegiate, watched the performance.

He said: “Louis did really well in his guest appearance back at his former high school. He worked with the pupils to help them prepare for the show and also made a cameo as one of the lead parts.

“The performance was excellent and was thoroughly enjoyable.”