PERFORMING arts student brought packed audiences back in time to 1922 for their latest sell-out show.

Cronton College sixth formers staged Thoroughly Modern Millie, set at the height of the jazz age in New York.

This time of liberation saw young women bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, getting a job and changing social behaviour forever.

Small-town girl Millie Dillmount, played by Chloe Biggins, 18, arrives in the Big Apple in search of a new life with a plan to fulfil her ‘thoroughly modern’ dreams.

Former Grange pupil Ritchie Redmond, 20, from Runcorn, played Jimmy.

The performance won rapturous applause during its three night run and two matinees for pupils from The Grange and Wade Deacon.

One member of the audience said: “The cast was professional, engaging and totally absorbed in the characters and the era.

“I was transported back in time and was blown away by the talent on the stage which would not have looked out of place in any West End production!”

Matt Plant, head of the Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts, said: “Once again our amazing students demonstrated their commitment, talent and teamwork with each bringing their own unique flair to this heart-warming story.

“Alongside their studies, our students created an extra-curricular project of enormous value that was both professional and hugely rewarding for all involved.”

Students will be performing Les Miserables at St Luke’s Church, Farnworth on March 30, 2017.

Tickets can be booked by calling 0151 422 2640.