TALENTED performers from Imagine Theatre in Cirencester dazzled audiences with two energetic and exuberant performances of George Farquhar's 1706 Restoration Comedy, The Beaux' Stratagem.

There was plenty to love about this show, with foppish dandies, sword-fighting, dancing, a bit of drinking and more than a little theatrical camp.

This challenging comedy of manners, performed at The Sundial Theatre in Cirencester and The Griffin Theatre in Rendcomb, was directed by Emily Thomson and produced by Imagine Theatre Artistic Director James Rushbrooke.

Emily said: "We are tremendously proud of the students' achievement with this production. Restoration Comedy is one of the toughest genres to perform well, and so to do this with effectively 12 rehearsals alongside their school commitments, snow storms and for some of them drama school auditions, is an incredible feat.

"When you also throw in the fact that the average age of the cast is 15 1/2, it is not difficult to see how the group of young performers are fast on their way to industry success.

"We are so proud to be able to facilitate and nurture the excellence in all our students, and are so grateful to have the privilege of running a centre for industry excellence in the south west."

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