DRAMATIC improvements are going on in the Bispham amateur acting scene - and it's all down to one lady.

Jennifer Smethurst turned her back on her job with a high street bank to take up a career in the dramatic arts.

Now she has been a top Fylde drama teacher for nearly seven years and her own drama school is doing so well, she plans to move it into new premises in the New Year.

Jennifer, in her 40s, said: "I have around 30 students ranging from six-year-olds to senior citizens.

"They have all done so well they deserve somewhere better to do their rehearsing - somewhere purpose built."

And so arrangements are now under way for a new drama studio to give the dancing school students the best possible opportunity to shine.

Although Jennifer is keeping tight-lipped about details of the new studio, she is convinced it will be a marked improvement on her current teaching accommodation.

She quipped: "Whatever you try to do with it, your lounge is still your lounge - and it gets claustrophobic to live and teach in the same place."

Jennifer is happily surprised at the popularity of dramatic arts in the Fylde and glad that all ages are willing to give it a go.

She said: "Because I came to drama relatively late in life, I don't believe in teaching only youngsters - it is good to give everyone a chance to learn to act."

Every year every member of the school is involved with a production at Bispham Community Centre, and this year's event was a real hit.

The event was sponsored by Midland Bank, Jennifer's former employers, and the Blackpool-based Superintendent Richardson Memorial Trust.

Anyone interested in joining Jennifer Smethurst's school of dance can call 358726.

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