STUDENTS at Seevic College attended an authentic performance masterclass with former Eastenders actress Ann Mitchell this week.

The college’s A Level Drama and Theatre Studies students discovered first-hand how they can deliver a true portrayal of suffering- a topic which is at the centre of their current coursework title; the impact on persecution.

Ann, who starred as Cora Cross in the soap, was joined by Katrina Wells who assists in the running of the charity Side by Side, which provides humanitarian aid to refugees living in the camps in Calais and Dunkirk.

Ann is also a patron of the charity.

Two refugees were present, which magnified the authenticity of the workshop.

Tamer and Khan shared stories about the reason for leaving their homeland, the journey that they had and what life is like for them now.

Student Laura Downing, 18, said: “The workshop today has been really interesting. What we’ve learned will be so helpful to embed within our coursework.”

Tutor Clare Smith added: “It’s been great to have Ann, Katrina, Tamer and Khan in to shape the students’ ideas.”