A new youth theatre in Sutton is to be opened in the New Year by one of the stars of BBC soap Eastenders.
The Mishmak Youth Theatre, an innovative theatre school for young people, will be opened by Neil McDermott, who plays hunky Ryan Malloy, and his actress wife Michelle Edwards.
The school will be based at the Secombe Theatre, in Cheam Road, and offers training and classes in singing, dance and drama for ages five to 17 years.
Neil and Michelle met while training at Mountview Theatre School and have both gone on to have professional careers.
The actor is best known as Ryan from EastEnders and also plays Dr Ralph Ellis in The Royal.
He has also appeared in Doctor Who, Rosemary and Thyme, Casualty and various West End productions.
Michelle's credits include Taggart and Waking The Dead.
Mishmak has always been an ambition of theirs and they are very excited to be making that dream a reality.
The theatre only uses professional actors, singers and dancers giving children a real insight into the world of entertainment.
Michelle Edwards said: “This is very different from a lot of stage schools, where they basically pick their favourites (normally children with the most ability already) and then everyone else has to wait for a chorus number.
“The Mishmak Taster Day is on the January 9 and places will be given on a first come, first served basis.”
For more information visit mishmak.co.uk.
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