...The Theatre - A Place for ideas ...

Catherine Newton

Ian Mcfarlane

When i hear the words “players drama school” i cant help but smile!
I joined “players” on the very first day it opened back in 1994. I think there was about 10 of us and we all looked terrified! I was 9years old at the time and very shy with next to no confidence.
Every Saturday morning i would go to drama and soon learned that this was the highlight of my week for the next 7years! Meeting so many different people from all backgrounds and making some fantastic friends which i still have 14years on!  


Our first production of “Bugsy Malone” was the most exciting thing i had ever done. Months of preparation and hard work made sure that it was an absolutely brilliant show! I played Cagey Joe, the boxing instructor. I had never really sung by myself in front of that many people before, however with Debby’s guidance and endless encouragement i gave the best i could in the show! I went on over the next 7years to have great roles both big and small in all our productions and could not have enjoyed it more!


I worked over seas as a holiday rep for 2years in which i had to make friends very quickly as when you arrive you have no friends or family there to support you. The confidence and social skills i gained from drama made sure that i could do this with no problems. I now work as air cabin crew in which i work with new crew and meet on average 550 passengers every flight. I have to build up a rapour with both passengers and crew very quickly and teamwork is key! This i most definitely learned from drama through our group improvisations and putting together pieces for exams and school productions.
I owe Debby Carter and “the players” a huge, huge thank you! Without them i wouldn’t be half the person i am now! I have tons of confidence in every aspect of my life and most importantly i can belt out a great karaoke number!!


Seriously though, Debby Carter has been a huge part of my life for many years, she has watched and helped me grow as a person, lending support and friendship in both drama and personal problems. There are not the words to express what an amazing person she is and how her drama school has helped so many people in there lives weather they continue with acting or not.
I can honestly say, hand on heart, still to this day, the best time of my life!