A BOLNEY drama academy says it is looking to 2018 with optimism after a successful year.

Ariel Drama Academies is opening of a new academy in Horsham as part of its expansion.

It will also be making its first performances at the Brighton Fringe Festival and performing for dignitaries at a special anniversary event to celebrate the twinning of Haywards Heath with communities in France and Germany.

It also plans to expand its Othellos classes for children and adults with special educational needs.

During 2017 Ariel helped many students on the road to success including two who have performed in the West End.

Student Ed Hooper from the Burgess Hill Academy played Nigel in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾.

Nigel is Adrian’s best friend and 14-year-old Ed had a lot of great comedy moments in the musical.

During the run Ed played the West End role 18 times and the new musical was nominated for a BBC audience award.

From Ariel’s East Grinstead Academy, student Sophia Ally, 11, had an exciting year appearing in West End hit The Ferryman by Jez Butterworth.

The Ferryman is running at the Gielgud Theatre until May.

The story is set in the Carney farmhouse, which is a hive of activity, with preparations for the annual harvest, which this year they will be interrupted by a visitor.

Sophia, who loves performing, gained considerable experience working with the professional cast on this critically acclaimed production and has just finished her performances this month.

Student Becky Tyler, who is a wheelchair user and has a specially crafted voice communication aid, bravely took to the stage at Greenbelt, a summer festival of arts, faith and justice to deliver a speech to more than 5,000 people.

A popular event which celebrates artistry and nurturing activism, Greenbelt is known for being inclusive, open-minded, participatory and generous in spirit.

Following Becky’s speech, she received a bigger standing ovation than the Archbishop of Canterbury!

Becky, who is just 15,hopes to speak and perform at other events.

Two Othello students achieved places at the Orpheus Centre, a centre of excellence in performing and visual arts for young disabled people, and several other students have gained places at renowned full time drama schools.