Foodbank is boosted by Black Country stage shows

West Bromwich-based Drama and Some, which is a community interest company, took to the stage at Thimblemill Library, in Smethwick, on July 30.

Bollywood actress Kiren Jogi, from West Bromwich, took her role in Dance Home Arika as a young girl finding her identity after growing up in care.

Birmingham-based Deborah McEwan took her role in the second play of the evening, Foodbankers, about women who find themselves in the midst of a food bank struggle due to personal problems.

Both plays were one-woman acted.

Food parcels were donated to Smethwick Food Bank following the two shows.

Suzan Spence, group director, said: "It was a fantastic night and a great crowd turned out.

"We handed out feedback forms following the play and we got some amazing responses so it made it all worthwhile.

"The plays were very much coming of age and finding your identity.

"The main thing was audience members were asked to bring food to donate to Smethwick food bank and they did - we had a lot of parcels to give to them.

"Around 80 people came, which for a library was a brilliant turn out."

Kiren Jogi has appeared in several Bollywood films and also starred in Anita and Me at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Both plays were directed by Zach Marsh.

Drama and Some were set up in 2012 and have since received funding from the Arts Council.

In 2014 they toured the area with their Black Country Blues tour at Newhampton Arts Centre, Thimblemill Library and Brook Street Community Centre in Tipton on consecutive evenings.

Ms Spence added: "We would love to tour again, but it all depends on funding.

"We are always on the lookout for more people to get involved, such as board members and people who can help out with marketing or production."

For more information visit www.dramaandsome.com