A NEW drama club is being launched in Madresfield and Malvern.

The Drama Platform is being run by Kelly Hull, a professional actress who is qualified in teaching speech and drama.

Kelly spent ten years acting, during which time she appeared on stage, TV and radio, playing everyone from Hero in Much Ado About Nothing to Nora in Ibsen's The Doll's House and the lead in Alice in Wonderland.

She has also appeared in the children's TV show Harry's Mad and has done a lot of theatre in education work

"After a lot of rep work, I decided that because I've got two children, I wanted to be more based in Malvern," she said.

Kelly said the new drama club was something that could benefit all youngsters, not just those specifically aiming for a bright future on the stage.

Among the benefits of drama classes, she said, were increased confidence, encouragement of self-expression and imaginative interaction, improved voice skills and an increased appreciation of literature, including poetry and prose.

Actually performing in public need not be the be-all and end-all of the classes; personal development, exploration and involvement within the classes and, of course, enjoyment are what matter, she explained.

The sessions at Madresfield Early Years Centre start on Thursday, April 29, at 3.20pm for aged five-six, 4pm for six-eight and 5.30pm for eight plus.

The classes at St Andrew's Church Hall, Poolbrook Road, begin on Saturday, May 1, at 9.30am for ages nine-12 and 11.30am for 13-plus.

For more information about any of the sessions, call Kelly on 01684 569201.