I'm near Redditch, very different from where I used to live!!
I too am shy in new situations but sometimes, I just make myself do things, once you're over the first hurdle, it does get easier. I signed up for an evening course a couple of years back and yes, the first time was very scary, but it did get easier. You just need to put on an act I guess, nobody knows the real you so how do they know that you're shy and are putting on an act?
Drama sounds great but I guess you do need to commit to it so not good if you don't have the time. Is there any way you could get involved with it on a part time basis so that when you do have more time, you know people and feel comfortable going along more regularly?
Edited to add: None of my friends are the same age as me, most are older, some are younger. As long as you have something in common, age doesn't make a difference.