Brave hotel staff at The Cliffden in Teignmouth have stepped in to offer rehearsal space to a new local amateur drama group for young people who were without a home on the spookiest night of the year.

The hotel opened its doors to Dramatically Different, set up for five-and-overs, after learning they were struggling to find rehearsal space.

To launch this unique collaboration, the hotel’s spectacular gardens were the backdrop for their In the Spooky Night Garden themed Halloween night tour yesterday evening.

Talented young thespians from the drama group were set to regale visitors with spellbinding performances of ghostly tales of witchcraft and wizardry from the Devon coast.

This project is the brainchild of the hotel manager Steve Kingshott, who is deeply committed to supporting the Teignmouth community and the inspiring work of the theatre group.

‘When I heard of their plight in not having a home, it seemed? the perfect opportunity to welcome the theatre group to make our wonderful hotel their base.?

‘We have plenty of space both within the hotel itself and in our amazing gardens.?

‘We are now planning ahead, discussing potential for a Midsummer Nights Dream-themed theatre review in the summer, and a raft of other performances, including an intriguing murder mystery event.

‘Going forward, we will do everything we can to encourage these talented young people and allow them to flourish,’ said Steve.

For theatre group director Rachel Swain, the support from The Cliffden has given the group a life-line.?

‘This was?an incredible opportunity for our young actors to work with such an impressive Teignmouth hotel.?

‘Without a place to rehearse and perform, it would be too difficult to get our group off the ground.

‘It means so much to our young people. We are incredibly grateful to Steve and the team at The Cliffden for this chance to give our young perfumers a solid foundation for their work, and for the chance to perform productions at the hotel, entertaining guests and working with the hotel staff.’?

Money raised from this first event and others to follow will help fund the Dramatically Different theatre group, who are in desperate need of props and scripts.