Pupils past and present have been invited to the last ever certification evening at the Anne Lee School of Speech and Drama before it closes its doors for good.
Current performers at the school, which has been running for 27 years, will put on their final show in front of those who have enjoyed the school throughout its time in Burton.
Budding performers have headed to the Anne Lee School of Speech and Drama since its creation in 1990, and the school has boasted several success stories.
Current students Ruth Gunstone and Tom Jones had to miss a rehearsal session earlier this week, due to both graduating from medical school – something they claim they could not have done without the support from Anne Lee.
Former student Melanie Jordan, from Burton, made waves at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014, scooping a prestigious award for her theatre piece. She was awarded a Scotsman Fringe First award for her piece Sanitise.
New York stage director Tom O’Connor also attended the Anne Lee School of Speech and Drama, hailing his success to the school.
Doting husband, 65-year-old Colin Draycott, has supported Anne as the school has gone from strength to strength.
He said: "It's been her special project for years now. She's put her heart and soul into it. She often speaks of her students as her blessings."
She’s not stepping out of the limelight, however, as Anne is looking forward to joining Stagecoach (the performing arts school) as an assessor and Trinity College as a senior examiner.
The presentation will take place at 7pm at, The Trinity, in George Street, Burton on Friday evening, July 21, and anyone who has been involved in the school throughout its 27 year history is welcome to come along for a final farewell.
Husband, Colin said: “Anne’s really excited to see a lot of old faces on Friday, but she will really miss it as well. I think it’s going to be an emotional day for her.”
Although the Anne Lee School of Speech and Drama is closing its doors, Sally's Drama School will be opening at the same premises at Friars Walk, in Burton.
