TWO performing arts students from Weston College have been commissioned by a theatre in Taunton to perform their solo shows.

Charlie French and Katrina Titcombe, who are both on the College’s BA (Hons) Performing Arts course, will be performing at The Brewhouse, in Coal Orchard, on Saturday 4th June.

Charlie’s show, Scratch, is a piece exploring who we really are through the words of others. It asks whether words convey identity or just paraphrase the thoughts people hear from those around them.

He said: “'I'm thrilled to have my work commissioned by the Brewhouse Theatre.

“Not only is it fantastic experience for an aspiring actor to see what it's really like to work within the industry, it is also a great encouragement.

“It is because of my training at the Wessex Academy of Performing Arts that I feel I have grown in overall confidence since starting the course and have ultimately matured as a performer, both in terms of my knowledge of performance and the skills that I have learned.”

Katrina’s show, You Are Invited, revolves around a few items of clothing which combine to perform a wedding in 40 minutes.

She said: “I am really excited for my first commissioned show. I think it will be a really good experience and a start to the outside world of performing.

“I think it will be a really good experience and a start to the outside world of performing!

The course has helped me develop my confidence within performing. It's made me explore more of what theatre really is and different ways it can be explored.”

The College’s Higher Education Section Leader in Performing Arts, Ged Stephenson, said: “Performing arts students held a festival of contemporary performance in which each student performed their own 40-minute solo piece.

“The Brewhouse was impressed with the festival and chose two of the performances to be put on at their venue as a double-header.”

The performance will begin at 7.30pm and tickets, priced £5, are available via www.thebrewhouse.net or 01823 283 244.

This week is New Year New You week, and our team is on hand at all campuses to give free help and guidance towards your health and wellbeing goals for the new year. Click here to find out about the fun and free sessions we're holding, and read on to discover our top tips for a healthy mind...

Eat healthily

The things you consume have a big effect on your mental happiness. Eating a balanced diet will keep your energy levels up throughout the day and make you feel a lot healthier.

Watch what you drink

Drinking water and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine can also improve your mental health, as well as stopping smoking. Drinking water helps your body flush out toxins and is key to healthy skin, preventing spots, making your eyes look brighter and makes you more alert.

Be more active

Exercising every day has both physical and mental benefits. Exercise makes your body release endorphins which can greatly improve your mood. Walking or cycling (instead of driving), dancing, and even doing housework are all easy ways to get the blood pumping. Combine this with eating healthy and you’ll start to look and feel better.

Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is also essential to relaxing your brain. Get into a good sleep routine and try not to watch television or browse the internet before sleeping - this could disrupt your body's natural sleep process through intrusive blue light.

Talk to others

Feeling connected with other people is an important part of what makes us human and neglecting this part of life can have detrimental effects on your mental health. Many mental health problems can be helped or even prevented by keeping in touch with others and maintaining strong relationships. If you are having difficulties then some of the best help can be given by friends or family, so talk to them about how you feel as well as listening to their thoughts and emotions.

Do something new

This one’s easy – all you have to do is something you’ve never done before, even something as simple as visiting a new place, starting a new hobby or reading a book by an author you’ve never heard of. New experiences challenge your brain to process and store new information and keep it active.

Remember that help is available

It might seem easy to start these changes, but sticking to them is going to challenge you. Our health care assistants are on hand to help you achieve your healthy living goals.

Rugby

Opposition: Richard Huish

Score: Weston 10-22 Huish

MOM: Tommy Bailey

Weston College first XV hosted Richard Huish first XV on Wednesday the 17th of January at Weston- Super- Mare RFC. Conditions for the fixture were exceptional with a cool but dry atmosphere throughout the event making conditions perfect for running rugby. After a confrontational opening 20 minutes Weston College scored their first try. An exceptionally well finished try by Harrison Lyon who burst through a tackle and scored a 15-meter run in. The try was the result of sustained phase play attack by the Weston side, which was just reward from their dominant opening play. From the kick-off Richard Huish scored a clinical try, punishing the Weston defence for not clearing their lines within their own 22.  

The extremely close affair continued long into the second half with both teams scoring a further two tries' making it a 12-10 lead to Richard Huish. After scoring their second try to keep the contest competitive Weston conceded their third try directly from the kick-off. With Richard Huish demonstrating consistency and organisation within their attack. With the score at 17-10 the away side changed their phase play attack into a more elusive style, catching the home side off guard. The commitment and effort levels from Weston were to be admired demonstrating a unity and collective approach which will see the benefit in the future during close fixtures.  

Richard Huish continued playing, elusive rugby to score their final try making the end result 22-10. Honourable mentions include Josh Gardner, who lead with exceptional passion and determination on his debut as Captain. Tommy Bailey worked relentlessly in defence with continued support in attack. Ethan Thomas controlled the backline and directed the team with some outstanding kicking from hand.  

Football 1st

Opposition: Richard Huish

Score: 5-2

MOM: Cory Thomas Barker

Richard Huish welcomed Weston College Mens 1 to play a league fixture in ECFA Mens category 2 south west (south). As the game started Weston controlled possession and moved the ball around on a difficult pitch. They created a good number of early chances which we were able to convert and went into a 2 goal lead thanks to Tom Llewellyn and Lucas Vowles. With the game in Weston’s control we created more chances with good play down the wide areas and holding good possession through-out the half. Just before the break with a lack of concentration from Weston’s part Richard Huish were back into the game 2-1 at half time. After the break both teams were going forwards looking to either get back into the game or run away with it. With Weston still having more of the ball they raced into a 4-1 lead with both Tom and Lucas sharing the spoils once again. Again through a mistake from Weston Richard Huish were allowed them back into the game at 4-2. With the game entering the last 20 minutes Weston took control and slowed the game. Weston Still had chances to further the lead and Cory Thomas-Baker was able to score a goal to remember from 35 yards. Weston ran out winners 5-2. We wish Richard Huish all the best with their remaining fixtures.

Netball

Opposition: Bridgwater

Score: Weston 30-19 Bridgwater

POM: Chloe

A great start to Weston Colleges first match back since Christmas. All the girls were enthusiastic to get on and start the match . The match started very quick with great movement especially by Chloe and Lucy around the attacking circle edge . Court defence was hard for Bridgewater to play through with some great opportunities for Jodi to intercept a lot of the attacking play . 1st quarter ended 12-6 to Weston .

Going into the 2nd quarter the girls settled and slowed play down to allow for a more controlled attack and to limit some mistakes made in the first quarter . Weston pulled ahead with some fantastic shooting and rebounds by Erin and Megan finishing the second quarter 20-10 .

The 3rd quarter both teams made changes, Bridgewater came on with a confident start which made Weston have to dig deep . The whole squad pulled together while they settled with new players on showing great interceptions and marking by Beth and excellent man on man marking and back up play by Ella finishing the third quarter 24-16.

Going into the 4 th quarter Weston showcased their talent by continuing to back each other up and create lots of opportunities for each other to intercept and get turn over ball by Chloe and Beth Playing GD.

A great first match with lots of amazing match play  and attitude.