STUDENTS at the University of Huddersfield have got themselves a new “tutor”

This summer, drama students will get a first hand view of how an award-winning professional theatre company prepares a new show.

The company is Halifax-based touring theatre company Northern Broadsides. The man in charge is actor and director, Barrie Rutter.

Barrie already has a connection with the university. Five years ago, he received an honorary doctorate from it.

This new partnership between his company and the university’s drama department will give students access to Northern Broadsides as it begins work on its latest production, We Are Three Sisters.

The play has been commissioned from the writer Blake Morrison and will be directed by Barrie Rutter.

Students will observe and shadow the work of the company starting at its base in Dean Clough Mill at Halifax.

Deborah Middleton, Head of Drama at the University, said: “We are really delighted to have a relationship with a company of such excellence.

“This summer there will be opportunities for students to learn about acting, directing, design, and how the company collaborate with the playwright.

“Being able to closely observe professionals of this standing is a wonderful learning opportunity and one which our students will relish.”

We Are Three Sisters opens at the Viaduct Theatre in Halifax on September 9 and then tours. It can be seen at Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre for four nights from November 2.