A NEW weekly children's drama group in Fetcham is going so well it has tripled in size in its first two months.
The Drama Club – until recently Keystage Kids – began in February with just six students.
But word about the fun to be had has got round so quickly it is on the verge of starting a second class.
Co-founders Adam Rood and Rosie Biggs, both trained actors, told the Advertiser their version of an "old-school, simple drama club" appeared to have filled a gap in the market.
Mr Rood, 26, said: "Rosie has a little girl, Gracie, and we were looking around for a drama class for her which was focused on just drama rather than drama, singing and dance and we couldn't find anything.
"So we decided to create an old-fashioned village drama club which was affordable for parents."
Mother of one Miss Biggs, also 26, said: "I spoke to a few parents and they suggested The Reading Room in Cobham Road, Fetcham, which is a lovely space with a kitchen and a nice seating area for parents to socialise or fill in their diaries or whatever."
The hall is now the venue for group games and group drama exercises for 4 to 11-year-olds, every Monday between 4.45 and 5.30pm.
Mr Rood continued: "We started with six students and we've built that up to almost 20, so the word is getting round.
"I've set schools up before and it's very difficult, so we're really proud of the fact that we have more than doubled in just eight weeks.
"It's a real achievement and an indication that the students are having a good time."
Fetcham resident Miss Biggs added: "It's not about performing on stage or becoming the best actor-child there ever was – it's actually about social skills and being able to stand in a room and speak to a group of people, socialise with other children, be creative and feel comfortable in a homely environment.
"It's a very happy place with a lovely atmosphere. We believe that's what brings the best out of children."
Miss Biggs said the couple hoped to expand the club with a second class on a Thursday or Friday once membership passes 20.
Their next step will be to open other branches. "We are looking to possibly open this as a village drama club in other villages," she said.
"We are just about to open a second one in Tunbridge Wells, so we will see how that goes."
For more information, visit www.thedramaclubuk.com, e-mail rosie@keystagekids.co.uk or call 01372 209734.
