Blaze at Poor School drama studio in King’s Cross

Published: 24th June, 2011

TEAMS of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help with the cleaning up at the Poor School drama studio at King’s Cross after an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Director Paul Caistor said there was no damage to the structure of the building in Pentonville Road.

He added: “I can’t imagine who would want to set our building alight. But apart from a horrible smell and a bit of burnt furniture and fittings the damage has been relatively minor.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have come in and helped us clean up.”  

Four fire engines and 20 firefighters rushed to the school, at around 2.20am as flames ripped through the building.

Teams from the Clerkenwell, Islington and Kentish Town fire stations had the blaze under control by 3.40am, but around a quarter of the ground floor was damaged.

EastEnders actors Jessie Wallace and Ricky Groves studied at the school along with Ryan Molloy of the show Jersey Boys.

The school was created in 1986 by Mr Caister, in response to the need for a first-class acting training facility which was financially within the reach of all.