Film and TV stars will scout the area for talent as a new drama school prepares to open its doors to young, aspiring actors.

Anthony Lewis, 32, a former child actor who has appeared in Emmerdale, Casualty and Hollyoaks, hopes to bring the idea of Totally Lit North to Maidstone as a permanent fixture.

Mr Lewis said: “We have family nearby so know the area well. We considered Chatham and Ashford but feel as if Maidstone is a good choice.

“Everyone involved directly works in the industry, so we can offer practical advice of what happens today. From getting a job to getting an agent, we help with practical and useful skills.”

Totally Lit was originally set up in London in September 2013 by Anthony and brother, Matthew, better known to millions as Harry Potter’s brave and loyal friend Neville Longbottom.

"From getting a job to getting an agent, we help with practical and useful skills"

The 26-year-old will swap Hogwarts for the YMCA centre on the audition day and he said: “As a former child actor myself, I can see the huge value in fine-tuning the key skills needed to work in this industry as a professional.

“The work that the creative team are doing is fantastic and something I would have hugely benefited from at that age.

“It comes down to a whole range of different things, we look at natural ability but it’s not the be all and end all as we’re here to teach.”

He offered pointers to the potential candidates, adding: “We’re looking forward to seeing what Maidstone has got, but acting’s a passion, people need to be aware it’s a huge profession and you aren’t guaranteed success, it’s something you’ve got to be prepared to have a real go at.”

He will appear on the judging panel on the audition day, Saturday, January 9, alongside his brother and a couple of other guests who are yet to be confirmed.

Artistic director Anthony added: “People will think that it’s just another drama school, but what we are doing is unique.

“We offer up to 20 young people an amazing opportunity to work on a regular basis with genuine British talent.”

Totally Lit North’s intensive course will be at Maidstone’s YMCA centre on Saturdays between 2.30pm-5.30pm for an initial nine sessions following the audition day. Visit www.totallylitnorth.com to register.