DOWN a narrow road in Manningtree you will find a former primary school.

Today, it has a new role - as the home of Manningtree’s Manifest Theatre.

Amateur dramatics is becoming increasingly popular but an influx of clubs has seen small theatre companies fighting to survive.

However, at the Manifest Theatre things have never looked better.

Actress Val Taylor added: “It is amazing we have been open since 1985 and still people from Lawford, Mistley and Manningtree don’t know we were there.

“The television programme Off The Beaten Track was good as it got us recognition from people who didn’t realise there was a theatre here."

Read the full story in this week's Standard.