IT was like a scene from the West End when the magic of the musicals came to a college in Carlisle.

Scenes from Mamma Mia, Hamilton, Wicked, Hairspray, Dear Evan Hansen and Les Miserables were performed by students at Carlisle College of the Arts.

They worked their socks off to put on The Variety Box show - featuring songs and scenes from a range of top hit musicals and shows.

And their first class performances rivalled anything you would see on Broadway in New York and in London’s West End.

Amber Redhead, performing arts lecturer, said: “The Variety Box is something that we do every year. It’s a big first year project.

“The students involved are working towards the level 2 and 3 diploma in performing arts. They are all aged 16 to 20.

“They was a variety of acts from dancing and comedy. Scenes from Les Miserables and Hamilton were popular too.

“The students do a lot of the work themselves.

“They design the posters and sell the tickets, create the programme and sort their costumes.

“They learn about all the production elements of putting on a show.

“They develop their acts and techniques from scratch and often it is a challenge.

“They are going to be working in the entertainment and theatre industry and that’s what it’s like so it’s good to get them used to it.”

Ben Taylor, of Carlisle, performed The Winner Takes It All from Mamma Mia. He also played the part of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.

Ben, who is studying for a level 3 diploma in performing arts, said: “I love performing musicals.

“I was involved with extracts from Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and I was the Genie from Aladdin in a comedy sketch.”

Casey Sewell, 16, of Maryport, performed the scene where Eponine dies in Marius’ arms from Les Miserables.

Casey said: “I love doing musical theatre. I watched the recent Les Miserables TV series and really enjoyed it.

“It tends to be quite nerve wracking in the run up to the performance but when you’re on stage you forget that.”

About 60 people watched the show on Wednesday night and last night.

Student Christian Hogan, 17, of Cockermouth, said: “I’ve loved every minute of performing.

“It has its ups and downs but mainly ups. In the end it all bounces back.”

The Variety Box was just one of the college’s final projects as it races towards the end of term.

Art students will host an exhibition next week.

Nina Porter, from the college, said: “The art is so amazing.

“There are some really fabulous pieces. The students basically take over a giant classroom and it looks brilliant.

“There is so much talent on display and many of the students are going on to do great things at fashion schools.”

It takes place on Thursday, June 20 at the college on Victoria Place.

The college will also host an open evening before the end of term.

Prospective students - and their families - are invited to attend on Thursday, June 27 from 4pm to 6pm.