Young children living in Portsmouth and the surrounding area can look forward to an exciting new drama and story-telling experience thanks to the initiative of one local mum.

Joanna Bennington, of Southsea, Portsmouth, worked in youth theatre for more than a decade before deciding to set up her own business using story, drama and play to help children develop new skills.

Joanna is a fervent supporter of the creative arts and previously ran the Kings Youth Theatre in Portsmouth. It was her passion for instilling a love of drama and story-telling in children from a very early age that led her to setting up her own business offering classes in local nurseries and pre-schools, as well as to groups of parents and toddlers.

The timing has also been perfect because Joanna has recently become a mum herself, and she has been able to build her business around her family commitments.

Joanna says: “Debutots is a unique blend of storytelling and dramatic play that creates a fun environment for children to build their confidence whilst enhancing their language, listening and speaking skills. I started earlier this year and already the feedback I have had has been wonderful. Children are really enjoying the classes I have to offer and I am loving telling all the stories and getting involved in the drama. I practice my classes at home with my young son and he loves being a part of it!”

Joanna has been working with a number of local nurseries and primary schools, bringing her stories to life with the children on a regular basis. Joanna is now planning some new classes for local parents and toddlers to attend together, and has begun running Parent & Child sessions at Somerstown Community Centre (fondly known by locals as ‘The Hub’) on Friday afternoons.

The Friday afternoon Parent & Child Debutots classes, run from the Somerstown Community Centre, were launched on 28^th June and are held at the following times:

Early Years Drama for Pre-School (3-4 years) – 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Baby Story Play (6 months – 20 months) – 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Early Years Drama for Toddlers (20 months – 3 years) - 3.30pm – 4.30pm