Pembrokeshire College Performing Arts students have prepared for their upcoming roles in the summer production of Sunshine on Leith by attending a day’s training at Battlefield Live.

Featuring songs from the Proclaimers, the stage musical is a funny and moving story about love and life and follows the highs and lows of Ally and Davy as they return home to Leith from the army.

Directed by college lecturer Simon Haslam, the Merlin Theatre Company production promises to be as dramatic as ever, with students being thrown into learning strategic manoeuvres, correct gun-handling, patrol, close quarter combat, hostage and rescue drills.

The photos show students being trained in close quarter combat at Battlefield Live, Llanteg, by Steve Dean, who put the students through their paces around the Battlefield Live site, some of which was designed by the creative team from Torchwood and Dr Who.

Student Nick Allen, who will play the role of Ally, said: “The combat session really helped me to develop my character in the play. I really enjoyed it!”

Lecturer, Simon Haslam often encourages his students to get as much experience and background information on their roles and enthused: “Today’s experience has really helped the group to get in to the right mind-set for the play. When they really immerse themselves in to researching their roles, it gives them something to draw from and enhances their performance.”

Sunshine on Leith won the Theatre Managers Association Best Musical Award in 2007. The show will be presented by the Merlin Theatre Company and will run from May 25 to the 28. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a terrific performance, book your tickets now by calling the box office on 01437 753100 (please note that anyone who comes to see the show wearing a kilt will be given a free programme!).