STUDENTS at Shebbear College took part in a workshop with a difference recently — when they were joined by Hollywood actor Joseph Fiennes, writes Suzanne Cleave.

There was great excitement surrounding the actor's visit, and everyone involved agreed it was an unforgettable experience.

Mr Fiennes accepted an invitation to the college by Dr Richard Hoskins, Head of Religious Studies, who has written a book entitled 'Sacrifice,' which will be published later this year.

Mr Hoskins' agent passed the book to Mr Fiennes' agent, as it is hoped he will star in the film version of the tale.

The book has two parallel stories. One is about how Mr Hoskins came to be involved in the investigation into the murder of a young African boy in London, and the other is about his own journey to Africa when he left school, and what happened to him there. As the book progresses the two stories come together.

Mr Fiennes — who is well known for his part in the film Shakespeare in Love — joined with the pupils in a drama workshop on Romeo and Juliet.

He said of the students: "They've learned the text impeccably. I am sure I'm going to meet a lot of this bunch on the boards. They're a talented bunch."

'PERSEVERE'

Following the workshop, Mr Fiennes answered a number of the students' questions, including advice on how they can become actors themselves.

He told them: "It's like life. You persevere, you remain true to yourself and out of that something magnificent might happen."

Student Sam Conybear, 14, from Putford told the 'Post': "It's just been fantastic. It's really very heartwarming that actors are coming back to their roots and working with children."

Tilly Evans added: "He was really nice and really friendly. He really pushed everyone to do their best."

Head boy, Mitch Barltrop, said: "There was a lot of hype, but it outlived expectations."

Bob Barnes, Shebbear headmaster, said: "The fact that he's taken the time to come and see us is magnificent. They're all energised, exceptionally excited and seeing him in there now, he's a natural teacher. He's just brightened up their day, their week and their month!"

Mr Fiennes told the 'Post' that he greatly enjoyed his day at Shebbear and said: "For me it's a joy and it's wonderful to see great potential and integrity in the students. It's a breath of fresh air to come down out of London; it's lovely."