Help working class get into the arts, says Manford

Jason Manford launched his own career at a grassroots venue

Actor and comedian Jason Manford warned people from working class backgrounds could be excluded from the arts if grassroots venues were not supported.

The 44-year-old said it was important people from poorer families had relatable role models.

He spoke to BBC Essex after Tiffany Theatre School in Clacton-on-Sea was forced into closure over funding issues.

"We'll end up in a situation where the only people who are performing as actors, singers, comedians or musicians are people who can afford it," Manford said.

He launched his award-winning career at a small venue in Chorlton, Manchester in 1999.

Manford said: "The arts are what separates us from the animals, this is the thing that makes us human and it's important to keep it going."

Tiffany Theatre School was oversubscribed for the next academic year

Tiffany Theatre School offered degree-level qualifications for up to 20 students over the past 25 years.

Staff and families rallied to raise £30,000 in four weeks to keep the doors open but fell short of the £200,000 needed.

Manford said if more small performing arts schools closed down then it would create a divide.

"The biggest problem is we'll only hear from people with money and connections," said the comic, who is performing in Southend-on-Sea on Friday.

"Where is the voice for working-class people, people living below the poverty line?"

He previously said "pure greed" had prevented him making money while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.

"That becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and that's my biggest concern," Manford added.

"The full circle is, who are our kids looking up to to say, 'That person's like me - maybe I could do that'?"

The Office for Students has been contacted for comment.