ASPIRING actresses held a cabaret to raise £5,000 to fulfil their dream of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Five sixth form drama students from Hammersmith Academy are determined to showcase their talent at the world’s largest fringe festival in August.

They have collaborated with Niall Wilson, a playwright from the Royal Court young writers programme, to produce A Happy Side (As Well).

The play, a verbatim piece, seeks to dramatise the everyday, big and small, funny and tragic, after collecting memories from friends, family, strangers and teachers and knitting them together on the stage.

Drama teacher Liane Grant said: “This year we’ve got a particularly special bunch who are particularly talented. Two of the girls knew early on they wanted to be actors and have got places at drama school. We wouldn’t necessarily aim to go to Edinburgh with every year group because it’s a huge effort but the students have got to want it enough and be part of their goals and ambitions in life.

“The girls also wanted to do it to create a legacy. Because it’s a new school, they’re the first sixth form students and they want to make their mark, and make it a performing arts department people talk about.”

Other fundraising events include regular cake sales and a Movie Monday at the Cathnor Road school.

Money raised will go towards the hire of the venue, travel and accommodation as well as props and costumes for the play.

To sponsor the girls, visit http://ahappyside.wordpress.com.