YOUNGSTERS are using drama to prove they can be a star in life – and it’s all thanks to a brother-and-sister business team.

Claire and Edward Redfern launched their Redstars firm two years ago.

Although it is based in Fleet, it works with young people, schools and community centres right across the area.

And Redstars says it wants its ‘happy hours’ to become a regular fixture.

Claire says: “We recognised the challenges faced by youngsters in this social media age, and we wanted Redstars to give as many kids as possible a safe, creative hour where they can explore their own personalities and social interactions.

“We don’t want to focus on fame. We want to encourage students to become their own star, whatever that might be.

“We feel drama is a fantastic outlet for children to explore their feelings. Being part of a drama club can be very therapeutic and cathartic.

“Every week we do something different – we explore different aspects of drama through energetic team games, spontaneous improvisation and challenging scripts, and we encourage the children to devise their own work.

“But what makes us different is we always include mental-health activities into every session, encouraging the children to really empathise when stepping into their characters’ shoes.

“We also practise mindfulness techniques to help them cope with the strains of school life, especially those students who are preparing for SATS and GCSEs.

“The bottom line is we want Redstars to be the happy hour of their week.

“We want to get them away from their phones, iPads and school pressures for an hour and simply be a kid again.”

Claire says a testimonial she received was typical of the response Redstars receives.

She says: “The testimonial read ‘As you know, I was a bit apprehensive when my child joined as she was not confident at all and she had always declined to take part in any after-school activities because of this.

‘I attended the taster session with her and it put me at ease right away.

‘Over the sessions she has taken part in, she has grown so much in confidence and has enjoyed the sessions so much we signed up for the next term as soon as it was possible!’ ”

Redstars is passionate about young people’s mental health.

Instead of asking parents to pay to watch their children perform, they request donations to Hart Voluntary Action 121 Counselling.

*If you feel that your school or local community centre could benefit from Redstars drama club, get in touch with Claire via the website redstars.red.