British drama school closes suddenly after heavy losses

Academy of Live and Recorded Arts says it is no longer financially viable and is closing with immediate effect

A British drama school has closed after an unsuccessful restructure left it with heavy losses and no longer financially viable, resulting in almost 300 students having to change school with no warning.

Students at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) said they were stunned and felt physically sick" after being told on Monday that the institution, which opened in 1979 and whose alumni include Bridget Christie and Miranda Hart, was closing. All 284 students are being offered places at another drama school, Rose Bruford College, to continue their studies.