Cronton Sixth Form students impress West End star Zoe Curlett.

West End star Zoe Curlet and the cast of Phantom of the Opera at Cronton Sixth Form College

Zoe Curlett a former Fairfield student, who amongst her many successes has played Christine in the West End version of Phantom of the Opera visited Cronton Sixth Form College on Wednesday to meet the cast of the Performing Arts Centre of Excellence production of Phantom of the Opera.

Zoe watched rehearsals and then answered questions from the students who have just returned from a visit to London to watch the West End production. They were delighted to meet an actress who has played the character of Christine in the West End. Zoe also brought with her a few Phantom mementos from her time on the show, including the Phantom’s mask, boots and some photographs.

She was very impressed with the College and the students and has just been announced as a Patron of the College. As guest of honour, Zoe will be singing after the production on the 30^th November, which is the last evening of the three night run of the production.

Zoe Curletts said, “I am truly honoured to be a patron of such a vibrant college and group of talented performers. This is going to be a show Halton will never forget!”

The part of Christine at Cronton Sixth Form College is Jessica Thickitt, previously from Wade Deacon High School she has just started at Cronton Sixth Form College and has been awarded a Performing Arts Scholarship. Jessica said: ““I was amazed by the fact that I got Christine, it is every girls dream role! The rehearsals are constant and crazy but so much fun and I am loving every moment of Cronton Sixth Form College.”

Matt Plant, Artistic Director of The Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts said, “We are so fortunate to have such dedicated students and Zoe’s support as Patron is very important to us. The show is our biggest challenge yet but our students work constantly to achieve the best that they can, the rights for the show where only released last year and we will be one of the first Colleges in the country to perform Phantom of the Opera. We’re very proud and very lucky.”