A YOUNG dramatist from Chard is hosting ‘A Night of the Musicals’ in a bid to raise the funds he needs to take his self-penned show to Edinburgh Fringe.

Luke Speirs, 19, has written ‘Stay Awake For Now’, an original musical following the story of two friends eternally entwined by their love of music, in a tale that Luke hopes will move audiences to tears and laughter.

The former Chard pupil got the taste for the famous Fringe after being given the chance to appear in Edinburgh shows in 2012 and 2013.

It has taken the up-and-coming musical talent, who is the process of applying to a spread of London drama schools, just three months to write SAFN.

But with his company, LAS Productions, being independently-funded, and only a short window left to secure a performance space in Scotland’s home of entertainment innovation, he and his cast of ten are keen to attract the ticket sales.

Luke said: “In total the whole thing is going to cost us £4,000, and because we’re independently funded, it’s crucial we get the cheapest venue available.

“Edinburgh is very strict so we’ve only got a short time to be able to secure it.”

A Night of the Musicals plays at 7.30pm on Sunday in Kingston St Mary village hall near Taunton. Entry is £8 or email luke.speirs123@gmail.com to pay in advance.