It’s showtime for children, thanks to Deborah

Pride in Oldham nominee Deborah Coleman with drama group members at Springhead Community Centre

LIFE is a stage for budding actors, singers and dancers thanks, to Deborah Coleman.

And she has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award for her work with Castoss drama society which was formed in February.

Deborah (39), who teaches English at Radclyffe School, runs drama workshops for youngsters at Springhead Community Centre.

She said: “We have got about 35 children at the moment. The youngest is five and the oldest is a boy who is 18 and had Down’s Syndrome.

“I just love working with the children. They are brilliant and I am so proud of them.

“You hear such bad things about young people, but we have got young people working together with no problems.

“The change in the ones who joined in February to now is unbelievable. They are not the same people, both skills-wise and personality-wise. The confidence and self-esteem they have gained is wonderful.”

The children have already staged their own show as well as appearing in ‘Wind in the Willows’ with the adult actors from Castoss.

Pantomime rehearsals are under way and Deborah added: “It is unbelievable how quickly the society has grown.”

Deborah was nominated by Charlotte Edwards, who volunteers with the group.

She described Deborah as a very kind, loving person, and added: “She helps children of all ages with a variety of needs.”