A talented young actor and musician from near Bury St Edmunds has launched a crowdfunding bid to help fund his next step on the road to stardom.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tom Barber, 18, who has launched a crowdfunding page to help fund his theatre school place. Picture: GEE WHIZZTom Barber, 18, who has launched a crowdfunding page to help fund his theatre school place. Picture: GEE WHIZZ (Image: Archant)

Tom Barber, 18, from Thorpe Morieux, was one of only 50 students offered a place at Arts Educational School in London on their BA in musical theatre.

Tom has already raised more than £5,000 to fund his place at the renowned performing arts school, but needs more to turn his dreams into reality.

Tom, who studies musical theatre at West Suffolk College, said: “Getting into ArtsEd was the best thing that has ever happened to me, but I am still about £8,000 short per year and time is running out.

“My experience of performing arts has made me believe I can cut it as a professional actor and ArtsEd offers unrivalled training and preparation to become an all-singing, dancing and acting performer.

East Anglian Daily Times: The talented actor has been offered a place at ArtsEd in London. Picture: GEE WHIZZThe talented actor has been offered a place at ArtsEd in London. Picture: GEE WHIZZ (Image: Archant)

“I found school challenging, but when I discovered my passion for performance, I found a strong work ethic and drive to succeed.

“Having achieved so much, not being able to fulfil my dream of studying at ArtsEd would be devastating.”

The arts student has taken on leading roles in local productions of Sweeney Todd, Grease, and Spring Awakening as well as featuring as a special guest for Ruthie Henshall and Her Band at the town’s Theatre Royal.

The West End star said: “Tom is a great natural talent. I am convinced that he will certainly go on from west Suffolk to the West End. He deserves all the help he can get in order to reach his target. His work ethic and passion is unquestionable.”

Gary Willis, director of performance at West Suffolk College’s Conservatoire EAST, said: “We are very lucky to have an enormous amount of talent at Conservatoire EAST and the team work tirelessly to prepare them for careers in the arts.

“Every year we discover young people who are exceptionally gifted and help them on their way.

“However, each year the funding of places at the top drama schools gets tougher. It seems wrong that we encourage students to aspire to the best training and then deny them the funds to be able to go.”

Anyone wishing to find out more or support Tom can click here to visit his fundraising page.