Imogen puts young writers in the spotlight

She is more used to a West End audience, but Imogen Stubbs was happy to act to inspire students at a south London college.

The 50-year-old star performed scenes written by Lambeth College pupils as part of the Donmar Warehouse's play-writing project for teenagers.

Stubbs said: "Their plays weren't just deep but cool too, and very original. It was very brave of them.

"If they were nurtured, they could go far. I hope they do go on and write."

Jade Warner, 18, a performing arts student, said: "It really opens your eyes. Meeting Imogen was inspiring." The Donmar and the sponsor of its recent season, United House, launched the initiative to encourage play writing among sixth-form students from Lambeth College, Jo Richardson Community School in Barking and Dagenham and Beacon School in Banstead.

The scheme was based around the current Donmar production Salt, Root & Roe and the students began a series of classes with the writer and director in September.

They had their own scripts performed on stage, watched by Stubbs and Anna Calder Marshall, and the 14 young playwrights were given free tickets to see Salt, Root & Roe at Trafalgar Studios.