A BUDDING stage star who achieved her dream of getting into a prestigious drama school has organised an evening of musical entertainment to raise funds to help finance her course.

Rachel Drew, 20, from Poppleton, won one of 30 coveted places at the Arts Educational School in Chiswick, West London, to specialise in theatre and singing.

However, she needs to raise money to fund her living costs and came up with the idea of organising an evening of musical entertainment, called Spanish Harlem.

Rachel will be singing, and three local DJs will play a variety of music throughout the evening.

To create a relaxed atmosphere, Crooning Cousins will play funk and disco, while Blue Grooves will entertain with a selection of jazz favourites.

The Kalowski Experience will up the tempo with some Latin rhythms.

Rachel said: "I've wanted to study theatre for as long as I can remember and I'm really excited about studying at the Arts Educational School.

"However, I need to raise quite a lot of money and thought an evening of music would be a good fundraiser."

Spanish Harlem is being held at The Crescent Working Men's Club, The Crescent, York, tomorrow, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from Alleycats, in Coffee Yard, and Caf Number 8, in Gillygate, at a cost of £3.50, or on the door, costing £4.

Updated: 11:25 Friday, July 27, 2001