TRAFFORD College students are celebrating successfully completing one of their toughest challenges yet – to make over the entire cast of Cats for every single night of a run of sell-out theatre performances.

The media make-up artists had an hour-and-a-half to transform 30 actors into different cats for Altrincham Garrick Playhouse’s interpretation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic musical.

Level 2 and Level 3 students were tasked with finding the right palate for full-face cover, upper body work and colour matching with wigs, as well as ensuring continuity in the characters’ looks night after night.

Students were working from design sheets used in the original 1981 London production. They had to adapt each look to complement the costume and wigs.

Tutor Lauren Plumb said: “It was a fantastic chance for the students to gain experience of creating and achieving a look as well as what it is like to work alongside performers and make-up artists.

“This opportunity has given the students an insight into the theatre world and experience of different elements of the make-up industry."

Evidence from the students work on the shows will go towards their final grades on the media make up course

Cats director Deborah Norris said: “They have been absolutely amazing. It’s a really difficult show for make-up, it is very specific and has to bring all the characters to life. Without the students it wouldn’t have been possible. They have worked really professionally at the Garrick and the cast have loved having them there.”