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The Anna Scher Theatre – an Islington institution – celebrated its 48th birthday last week with its 71-year-old founder saying retirement is the last thing on her mind.

She celebrated the anniversary with a “wonderful evening of entertainment” at the theatre school’s base in St Silas Church in Penton Street, Angel.

Started by drama teacher and peace campaigner Anna Scher in 1968, the theatre’s former students amount to a who’s who of British television talent, including Kathy Burke, Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke. “The party went beautifully,” Anna said. “It was packed to the rafters.”

A pioneer of improvised theatre, Anna still teaches using the same methods today – and students young and old keep coming from all over London and beyond, with more on the waiting list.

Anna has overcome many hurdles to get to this point, having struggled with a bout of depression more than a decade ago which saw her rejected from her role as principal.

She bounced back and started a new school, which is going as strong as ever, and still teaches twice a week. Long-time collaborator Bernie Burdis also takes classes.

“I just love teaching,” Anna said. “It is my vocation and I love the students – their loyalty, love and longevity.”

Anna’s famed methods allow students to express themselves in their own vivid and colloquial fashion – and she still swears by them. “It is an enduring and endearing method,” Anna said. “The methods I use hold us in good stead.”

Her classes are attended by a diverse mix of students – “integration through improvisation” is another of Anna’s mottos. “Enjoyment is also the keynote,” she added.

Plans are already under way for an even bigger party to mark half a century of the theatre, with big-name alumni expected to return for the Big 50 celebration.

“We are already getting geared up for that,” Anna said. “It’s sure to be a good one.”