School pupils from across the region will be given a lesson on the dangers of underage drinking through a theatre production.

Over the next two weeks, Collingwood Learning’s international theatre production Smashed will visit a number of schools in Carmarthenshire to raise awareness of the risks of underage drinking.

The project – which is supported by Diageo – will see more than 4,000 pupils take part in interactive workshops and watch the production to learn about the facts, causes and consequences of alcohol misuse and the risks of underage drinking.

The sessions began on November 7 and will run across 18 schools until November 18. Sessions in Carmarthenshire start on November 14 and include Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera.

Chris Simes, managing director at Collingwood Learning, said: “We are so excited to be returning to Wales with Smashed Live.

"These performances can make a real change from the typical classroom session, and it’s been brilliant to see the fantastic response to the programme from schools in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"Our actors are ready to engage young people in Swansea and Cardiff on these important messages around alcohol misuse.”

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The Smashed sessions combine a 25-minute dramatic performance and 35-minute interactive workshop.

Smashed has been running for more than 17 years and has delivered educational performances in more than 20 countries. It works in collaboration with Community Alcohol Partnerships.

Diageo has supported Smashed since its 2005 inception and has pledged to educate 10 million young people, parents and teachers on the dangers of underage drinking by 2030.

In a recent study, it was found that more than 75 per cent of students in the UK are more informed about the dangers, making the right choices and 81 per cent are less likely to drink underage, all as a result of watching Smashed.

Nuno Teles, Diageo GB’s managing director, said: “Smashed aims to empower young people by equipping them with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to understand the dangers of underage drinking.

"Creating a positive impact in the communities in which we operate is critical to our business and the Smashed programme has a proven track record of delivering outstanding results in secondary schools.

"We are so delighted to welcome the tour to Wales so we can empower the next generation to drink responsibly.”

Wales is making progress in reducing the levels of underage drinking, with 81 per cent of 11-16-year-olds surveyed recently saying they have either never or have rarely drunk alcohol.