About Us

The Drama Place only uses leading professional actors.  We know the business, it is our business, and between us we have nominations and awards ranging from Lawrence Olivier awards to British Soap Awards.  

We want to share our experiences and knowledge with a new generation and those that are eager to learn. 

Each session is primarily led by Donnaleigh Bailey, an award winning local actress from Birmingham.  She is most known for her regular role in the BBC Daytime Award winning Medical Series 'DOCTORS', enjoying much success in her four years.  With guest sessions run by Naomi Bentley (Primeval, Mutual Friends, Extras) and Wela Mbusi (RSC,Salisbury Playhouse, Birmingham Rep) this is a great team who can guide you in performance techniques.

Donnaleigh Bailey trained at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.  Before that she was also a member of the fantastic Central Television Workshop.  Working throughout television as a child, she got her first regular role in ITV's 'Crossroads'.  This went on to include many television guest appearances, finally cementing herself as a daytime favourite with her role as Nurse Michelle Corrigan in 'Doctors'.  With many award nods (British Soap awards, Inside soap Awards) her four years gained her an understanding of the fast paced world of television.  She also works extensively in theatre, recently working for The Birmingham Rep and Pleasence Theatre.

Naomi Bentley is a much loved actress of stage and screen.  She trained at the Webber Douglas academy and now resides in the Midlands.  She has worked with David Tennant, David Bowie, Sheridan Smith and Keeley Hawes, to name but a few. She has just completed filming a new BBC Comedy called White Van Man on our screens next year. Naomi has such a varied experience in both film, television and stage.  She has worked at top London Theatres, such as The National, The Almeida and The Sound Theatre.  Her credentials include Johnathon Creek, Vexed, Silent Witness and My Family. We are delighted to have her as part of The Drama Place team.

Wela Mbusi trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  Wela's main body of work has been in the theatre where he most recently won a Olivier award for his part in Michael Boyds fantastic production of The Histories.  He has worked extensively with the RSC and is a wonderful Classical actor.  He has also worked with Kim Catrall (Sex and the City) in her West End debut 'Whose Life is it Anyway', and Geoffrey Streatfield in Henry V.  Wela challenges the actor to look for the truth in all they do, and again is a great asset to The Drama Place team.