ROMANCE is certainly not just for the stage for one group of Southend thespians.

Four members of Southend Drama Society have now found love since joining the group - with both couples having babies within a fortnight of each other.

Chairman Rick Fiore, 36, who lives with Gemma Barnetson and baby daughter, Daisy Ann, in Sutton Road, Southend, said: "It certainly seems to be a good way of meeting potential partners!

"The chances are good for it happening. A lot of single people join and we do have a lot of social activities as well as our shows.

"Drama societies tend to attract people who are a bit shy and acting helps them to get out of their shells. They develop certain skills and become more confident."

Rick and Gemma first met when they starred together in a stage adaptation of TV comedy, Blackadder, in 2003.

Gemma, 33, said: "I saw Rick and he was dressed as Blackadder and I thought, hmm, I like him in a wig'!"

Westcliff couple Danny Pavitt, 47, and Paula Pearce, 40, met while preparing for the 2005 Christmas show, To Nativity and Beyond.

Baby daughter Lily was born on March 12 - two weeks before Rick and Gemma had Daisy Ann.

Paula said: "A couple of weeks after turning up, he'd brought a script with him for the show. I thought it was very funny and we started chatting."

She added she was not surprised the society often seemed to act as a great matchmaker.

"We have quite a mixture of people," she said. "There is variety of age groups, from 18 to 85. The society has a really good social aspect. We have lots of days out."

Anyone interested in acting (and perhaps finding a partner) can ring Kay, on 01268 752239 or Darran on 07810 872974. The group meets every Tuesday from 8pm to 10pm at Wesley Church, Elm Road, Leigh.