Do you fancy doing something that invigorates and energizes you; something I can guarantee will leave you feeling good at the end of the session? Well I’ve found it people. Its called Acting For Fun and, stop right there, don’t use the hyperlink just yet. Wait and read on for a few more seconds and you will know if this is for you. Richard Sinnott has devised classes to work the creative muscles as well as the physical ones, with the emphasis firmly on ‘fun’.

Richard Sinnott. Aged 41. Professional actor. Been on TV numerous times, but most notably as four different characters on 'Coronation Street', two on 'Emmerdale' and as the Bank Manager in Steve Coogan's film comedy 'The Parole Officer', acting alongside Coogan himself.

I went along to the third class of his beginner’s course to see for myself what the evening entailed. What struck me first was the diversity of people attending the class. You won’t find a better cross section of Manchester life, anywhere. The ages ranged from 18 (minimum age) to some who had recently retired and wanted to do something a little special with their spare time. Every one shared a common enthusiasm for the class and it was obvious from the role plays we performed that this is a evening for people who want to have a laugh with each other rather than a class for the aspiring thespian.

The evening kicks off with a physical and mental warm up that brings the whole group (18 in total) together. I was amongst 4 new people but we all quickly fitted in, there is no awkwardness with this kind of activity, you gel quickly and easily.

For the main chunk of the evening you are split into groups and improvise from a basic idea given by Richard. I took part in a fashion show involving paper clothes (hilarious!) with one group. After, a brief rest for refreshments and a much needed cigarette the groups were changed again and my task was to be part of a very bad circus troop trying to get into the best circus ever (comical!) There are no scripts and you make it up as you go along. It is not your ability that matters but your enthusiastic participation. This class is perfect for someone new to Manchester who wants to get out there and meet people, as well as residents who would like to try something different.

After a warm down that looked more like karate than ‘King Lear’, the night ended with a few sociable beers down the pub. As a veteran of social clubs dedicated to sport and hobbies this evening was a breath of fresh air. If you like meeting new people and doing something different I can thoroughly recommend Acting For Fun.

If you require further information you can contact Richard on 0161 438 0363. Have fun acting!

Words by Spencer Jacobs