THESE drama students have been busy developing a punishing piece of physical theatre.

Dressed as soldiers, the 14 students from the Oxford College of Drama are studying a foundation course in musical theatre.

They took to the boards at Sansomes Farm Studios, Woodstock, yesterday to practice their upcoming ‘curtain raiser’ for a show next month. The piece 5 Soldiers: The Body is theFrontline by the Rosie Kay Dance Company will be performed at Wolfson College on Sunday.

The students’ piece is called Wives Left Behind and explores the trauma of separation and continuation of everyday life during conflict.

This is their first ever movement-based public performance and, for most, their first experience of contemporary dance and physical theatre. They have had intensive training with choreographer Maria Blundell-Palethorpe and have had to rise to the challenge both physically and emotionally.

For more information on the play and tickets, visit swindondance.org.uk/venue/wolfson-college/