NICHOLAS ASHTON DRAMA CLUB
Ignite Your Passion for Performance - in Association with Wetherby School Kensington
Building Confidence, Creativity, and Communication: Welcome to Drama Club
At Nicholas Ashton Drama Club, children develop essential life skills through the power of drama.
Led by Oliver Cudbill (Founder of NAE and LAMDA Genesis Scholar) and James Downie (Senior LAMDA teacher and industry professional), our club inspires confidence, self-expression, and communication—skills benefiting children far beyond the stage.
Why Drama?
Many children go through life without truly finding their voice or feeling comfortable in their own bodies. Our drama sessions provide the tools, guidance, and mentorship needed to empower children:
Stand tall and speak with confidence
Develop open body language and strong presence
Express ideas clearly and persuasively—whether in class discussions, interviews, or everyday conversations
Unlike traditional education, which focuses primarily on cerebral learning, our drama training bridges the gap between intellect and expression. The ability to communicate with conviction is crucial for success in all stages of life.
What Makes Our Drama Club Unique?
The Teachers
Our teachers are passionate industry professionals and LAMDA graduates, offering unparalleled insight into drama training. James, who has built a successful career despite dyslexia and dyspraxia, understands how to help children find their own learning styles and overcome challenges.
Bespoke Learning
Our sessions cater to individual needs—whether it's building confidence, improving communication, or preparing for LAMDA exams, interviews, auditions, the 7+, or even just overcoming shyness and building friendships - after all, we are relational beings, and drama teaches us how to navigate the world through connection, expression, and collaboration.
The Toolbox
Students develop skills in:
Voice & Speech – Clarity, diction, and projection
Movement & Body Language – Using physicality to enhance expression
Improvisation & Scene Work – Thinking on your feet and engaging with others
Text Analysis & Camera Techniques – Understanding scripts and on-screen performance
Performance & Collaboration
We provide opportunities for students to perform in showcases, work on exciting projects, and build friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Who Is This For?
Children who want to gain confidence and overcome shyness
Those preparing for exams, auditions, or interviews
Young learners improving their English through performance
Anyone who wants to develop strong communication skills for life
We use drama as a vehicle to unlock children’s innate abilities while helping them develop new skills that will serve them throughout life. Whether your child is taking their first steps into drama or refining advanced skills, our club nurtures creativity and self-assurance at every level.
We’d love to welcome you—join us and discover the joy of drama!
"Through drama, children develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to see the world through different perspectives—essential skills for success in life."
– Dr. Peter Duffy, Professor of Theatre Education
"Theatre helps us discover who we are and who we could become. It teaches us to be comfortable in discomfort, to take risks, and to trust our instincts."
– Viola Spolin, Theatre Educator
