Southport College students were recently inspired to pursue their career ambitions during an engaging and motivational performance by The National Youth Theatre of ‘If Holly Can’.



The performance, organised by Esther McVey of the Charity ‘If Chloe Can’ and the National Citizenship Service, brought careers guidance to life; demonstrating the wide range of opportunities available to students once they leave College.

Claire Wilford, Progress Coordinator at Southport College, said: “This event was a resounding success for our students across all levels. Feedback received from students confirmed that they found it a positive and motivating experience.

“I would like to thank the National Citizenship Service in conjunction with Esther McVey and the National Youth Theatre for providing us with this opportunity and I look forward to facilitating further events of this nature in the future.”

Broadcaster and former MP Esther McVey set up the ‘If Chloe Can’ charity to provide career support in schools and colleges, introducing students to inspirational role models who can offer advice using their industry experience.

Esther has a passion for ensuring that young people are aware of all of the career options available to them. She said “I found that students weren’t meeting people from similar backgrounds to themselves who’d gone on to achieve their career goals, so I set about changing that!

“I realised I needed a bigger, better, more impactful way to deliver careers advice to students and that’s how the play was born with the wonderful National Youth Theatre.”

The play was performed to over 250 students in Southport College’s Richard Colmer Theatre; a purpose built multi-million pound performance facility comprising of a professional theatre with foyer and bar, five dance and rehearsal studios and dressing rooms.

The Richard Colmer Theatre is home to Southport College’s Performing Arts courses; offering a combination of industry experienced staff and fantastic facilities. Each year students progress to a range of Higher Education destinations including the prestigious Guildford School of Acting, Mountview and Italia Conti.

To find out more about Advanced Level Performing Arts courses available at Southport College and forthcoming productions visit www.southport.ac.uk