Fundraiser for Whitehaven student offered place at The Hammond school

Warren Neaves, of Whitehaven, is delighted to have been offered a place on the two-year Theatre Arts Advanced course at The Hammond school in Cheshire.

The 16-year-old, who attends Whitehaven Theatre of Youth, is ‘obsessed’ with musical theatre and dreams of starring in the West End.

Warren Neaves has starred in Whitehaven Theatre of Youth productions (Image: Submitted)

He’s now one step closer to realising his dream but needs to raise £30,000 for the course fees alone.

Warren’s mum, Kelly Neaves, said ‘there were tears’ when Warren discovered he had been offered a place – but then ‘more tears’ when they found out how much it would cost.

She has set up a fundraising page and a number of events are being planned to help raise the money needed.

Warren in Whitehaven Theatre of Youth's Peter Pan (Image: Submitted)

Kelly said: “I’m very proud. He’s been performing since he was a dot. It’s constant.

“He did his first stage solo in the Civic Hall a couple of weeks ago with Whitehaven Theatre of Youth.

“He went to Rosehill Theatre youth group when he was younger as well and it’s just gone from there, really. He’s obsessed with it.

Warren hopes to star in the West End (Image: Submitted)

“We were going to London every month with him because he got a place at West End Theatre Kids Troup. He just wants to be a West End performer.”

Warren is currently studying for his GCSEs at St Benedict’s Catholic High School and also works part-time at Darling Manor in Whitehaven.

He is due to play Kristoff in Whitehaven Theatre of Youth’s production of Frozen at The Solway Hall in July.

Plans are underway to hold a fundraising ball at Darling Manor and a fundraiser is also being organised with Whitehaven Theatre of Youth.

To donate to the fundraising page, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/my-sons-education-fees-for-the-hammond