A THEATRE company with academies in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill is expanding into Horsham.

Ariel Company Theatre is opening a new drama academy on Saturday April 28 at Roffey Millennium Hall.

Ariel is a family theatre company and a leading light in all aspects of theatrical training including dance, drama and singing.

It has academies in Crawley, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Steyning.

The new academy will run every Saturday afternoon from 2.15pm to 5pm welcoming students aged seven-19.

The Horsham team is headed up by Principal Ben Simpson who brings with him a wealth of knowledge, having trained at the London School of Musical Theatre.

Ben is an experienced producer and actor whose credits include shows at the Theatre Royal Brighton, Chichester Festival Theatre, The Brighton Fringe, The National Theatre and The Royal College of Music.

Ben headed up the Ariel team when the Haywards Heath Academy opened in 2014 and this year will be bringing his expertise to Ariel’s debut at the Brighton Fringe when he directs a double bill of plays; Bassett and The Grandfathers.

Ben said: “I am very excited about the opening of the Horsham Academy.

“The students can develop their performance skills across all three disciplines with experienced teachers.

“We are a very inclusive school, so whether you have heaps of experience or are a total novice you will be made welcome.

“We will be working on a wide range of material from great classic musicals to contemporary plays and current chart hits.

“Whether you aspire to be a professional performer or just want some fun and to make new friends, come along for a taster session.”

Ariel’s academies strive to provide much more than just out of school activities to keep young people occupied.

Run by a team of dedicated tutors who enthuse the students with a love of performing, Ariel helps to develop skills for life such as confident public speaking, collaboration skills and teamwork.