There are two reasons why I’m CB*MA’s guest blogger today... Because my friends Chris and Petar are the brains and beauty (both have equal – no rows, please) behind this brilliant make-up academy. And because I was passing and it was cold and Pete said I could come in for a coffee. Good move. (Despite no biscuits.)

I love this place so much: it really is exciting and vibe-y. And, and I know how naff this sounds, there really is a ‘theatre of dreams’ feel here - you totally get that the students here are being brilliantly trained-up for their thrilling new careers. I suppose ‘ inspirational’ is the word – from the giant Oscar (in top hat, obviously) standing in the reception area, to the posters and framed stills from Chris’ films on the exposed-brick walls (Sherlock Holmes, Vera Drake, The Full Monty, Casino Royale, Topsy Turvy...), to the AMAZING work the students are doing. I’m happy if I remember blusher goes on my cheeks, so the transformations these pupils achieve are just incredible to me.

Today, ‘No Biscuits’ Day, is day four of Theatre Week and the students are making each other up as clowns. Dear God. I know one blogger who won’t be sleeping tonight. Super-creepy! But super-brilliant too. (If these photos don’t freak you out you have no soul. Or maybe Coco The Clown stole it...)

Pete wants me to check-in with the occasional CB*MA blog – and I’m v happy to. Dying to know what these pupils are up to next. And which films they’ll be working on. And whether any of them can help me get this mascara off my lips. (Am going to watch and learn. Watch and learn.)