Drama school celebrates their new premises in Doncaster village

A Doncaster woman wants drama classes to be accessible to children from all backgrounds and is encouraging kids to use the arts to help them through the pandemic.
By Laura Andrew
Published 28th Apr 2021, 06:38 BST

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Olivia Harpham runs drama classes for children under her business The Harpham Company.

Her aim is to help kids aged three to 16 gain confidence through learning how to dance, act and sing.

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Olivia, 24, from Bessacarr, said: “It’s all about having fun.

Children enjoying time on the stage.Children enjoying time on the stage.
Children enjoying time on the stage.

“Last year despite the pandemic it was my mission to get the kids on a stage and we accomplished that.

“There was no audience and they had to work in small numbers but they did act on a real stage.”

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Olivia is excited to announce that due to the growing success of her business the drama group has moved to a new premises.

Olivia is passionate about children accessing drama classes.Olivia is passionate about children accessing drama classes.
Olivia is passionate about children accessing drama classes.
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“My goal is to make theatre accessible and affordable for everyone,” she continued.

“The new venue will help me do that.”

The Harpham Company will now be located in St Mary’s Church in Sprotbrough.

Rev Amanda Barraclough said: “We welcome The Harpham Company as they settle into the Stable.

The drama school has moved in St Mary's.The drama school has moved in St Mary's.
The drama school has moved in St Mary's.

“It’s fantastic news for Sprotbrough.

“Children in our community now have an even wider range of possibilities on their doorstep to grow in confidence, develop self-expression and fulfil their potential.

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“St. Mary’s Church looks forward to supporting them in the future.”

Olivia believes that drama can help children who have had a difficult year due to the pandemic.

The drama school will be a place for children to learn how to dance, sing and act.The drama school will be a place for children to learn how to dance, sing and act.
The drama school will be a place for children to learn how to dance, sing and act.

She said: “We are a safe space for these children to talk about what they have been through.

“We encourage them to be expressive and show them there’s always a way to talk about how they’re feeling.

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“So many of them have suffered with their schooling this year, parents might have been furloughed or even lost jobs.

“I want this to be a place where they can forget the outside world and get lost in music and dance.”

As schools across the country grasp the enormous task of catching children up Olivia fears that subjects such as drama will fall to the wayside.

Despite the pandemic Olivia managed to set up a performance on stage last year.Despite the pandemic Olivia managed to set up a performance on stage last year.
Despite the pandemic Olivia managed to set up a performance on stage last year.

She hopes that she can provide that service for them even if they’re schools are not.

Find out more about the drama school here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

Related topics:Doncaster