In 1986, a different kind of drama school was established in King’s Cross, with the express purpose of making high quality acting training available for everyone. By keeping the fees low, and offering evening courses so as not to interfere with people’s day jobs, The Poor School format was a hit, and generations of fledgling thespians have passed through the doors ever since.
With owner, Paul Caister, deciding that the time has come to sell up, the final cohort of students have been channelling their energies into putting on a last show, a production of Lady Windermere’s Fan that opens in the building’s intimate theatre space later this month.
“It’s a wonderful privilege to be a part of the last ensemble cast in one of Wilde’s finest plays,” says Sophie Wilson, who plays Lady Windermere. “It is a fast-paced emotional roller-coaster which, to us, sums up our time at this school.”
Head down there for the final chance to see these talented actors showcase just how much they’ve learned within these very walls. When – after a much-needed facelift – this space reopens, it will be aimed at school-age students.
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Adults looking to pursue their dreams of treading the boards can follow voice coach, and director of the final show, Clare Davidson, just over the road in a new space on Cubitt Street, where she is running masterclasses (more info here).
