A drama academy has risen to the challenge of re-enacting a 1950s play involving adultery, witchcraft and hangings. 

The Highams Park-based Act 2 Academy will perform two shows of The Crucible at Woodford County High School in High Road, Woodford Green, on Saturday (May 16). 

The 1953 playwright by Arthur Miller is based on the Salem witch trials which took place in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693 and resulted in 20 executions. 

Amanda Goodwin founded the Act 2 Drama School in 2003 and the Academy was opened in 2014. 

She said: "The young students have done amazing well whilst studying for GCSES, A levels and other commitments.

"Due to the theme of The Crucible this has been a heavy rehearsal process and the young actors have rose to the challenge. 

"I am immensely proud of all my students and cannot believe the talent pool we have right in the heart of Highams Park."

In less than a year, the Academy has grown from 4 students to over 40 and will be launching a second class at Wingrove Hall in Beech Hall Road, Highams Park, from September.  

Tickets cost £10 for the two showings at 1.30pm and 4.30pm.    

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Students during rehearsals ahead of this weekend's production of The Crucible