A few words of inspiration from psychotherapist and life coach Jody Merelle, based in Dawlish:

THOUGHT of joining the theatre?

Moving around a lot can be really unselttling. But if, like me, your life has taken you to live in lots of different places one of the advantages is that before long you have a clear idea of what you value in the place where you live.

I have always loved living somewhere which has a vibrant amateur theatre as it brings so much to the whole community.

In Dawlish we are exceptionally lucky to have the Shaftesbury theatre right on our doorstep.

Those of you who made it to this year’s pantomime will know just what magical and professional production it was.

But what you might not is how many challenges there were in putting the show together.

What with COVID restrictions and some principle cast members having to be replaced at the last minute, the whole crew had a mountain of hurdles to overcome.

But you’d never have known it once the show opened.

I had no involvement at all, but had the chance to go to the after show party because my son had been in the show.

What struck me the most was the genuine inclusivity, friendship and mutual respect between all those who were there.

Everyone was valued and appreciated as much as everyone else- from the ice cream sellers to those playing the lead parts.

One of the best things we can do to maintain a good sense of mental health is to become involved in our own communities - in a way which makes us feel seen and valued.

You might never have thought of being in a local theatre group - or you might think it’s all about having to act.

But I can assure you that it isn’t.

There are a mountain of people required to put on a show, all with different skills and talents.

If you thought at the beginning of the year that this might be the year to try something new, why not consider your local theatre group?

I know that you will be made o feel very welcome and whilst each of you will have something valuable to give, you might be surprising and just how much you also get in return.

Thank you to everyone in the company for putting on such a wonderful show!