AN annual college musical is set to take place away from its traditional home for the first time.

Staff and students at Blackburn College put on a musical every year, usually staged in the main hall.

But this year’s performance Trafford Tanzi has moved to the Thwaites Empire Theatre at Ewood.

Director Nick Maynard, head of performing arts at Blackburn College, said he was delighted to be taking it to the Thwaites.

He said: “Moving venue has given us an ideal fit for this musical. It is a lovely intimate venue that should make this year’s musical a little bit special, for the audience and the cast alike.”

The story charts the rise of a female wrestler, and in the college’s adaptation it uses hit songs by Swedish pop sensation Abba.

Mr Maynard said the musical was ideally aimed at young people.

The students are charged with not just performing the show, but promoting it, building sets and everything else needed to make a successful show.

He said: “With our first show away from the college, I’m hoping that new audiences can see young people doing and saying something really positive about their lives.

“Tanzi is a celebration of the underdog. I think it is a great show and an excellent vehicle for young performers.”

The role of Tanzi is played by 19-year-old A-level dance, English, film and pre-teaching student India Havery. She said: “It is a bit more real than doing it in the college hall and there will be a lot more people.

Tickets for Trafford Tanzi are available from Blackburn College.