Kelly as Pauline

A Dagenham writer and performer has secured a spot at the hugely popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Kelly Jones, of Marlborough Road, will perform her new one-woman play, Dating George Orwell at the Laughing Horse Free Fringe, which forms part of the world famous Scottish bash in August.

Kelly, 25, said she has always had an interest in performing, having studied drama at Sydney Russell School. She told the Post it gave her a chance to branch out and express herself.

“I was always quite shy at school,” she explained. “I didn’t speak out much. But I found drama so enjoyable because I was able to express myself and do my own thing. It was those sorts of things that helped me write my play.”

Dating George Orwell is the story of loner and spinster Pauline Duffy and looks at her unusual quest for love and her obsession with books.

Kelly added: “I am honoured and thrilled to be taking my show to such a prestigious festival.

“I performed a preview show at last year’s Made in Roath festival which was a huge success and have also been invited to perform an exclusive preview at Norway’s Scene: Bluss festival this summer.

“I have been working hard on making the script even more adventurous and exciting for the audiences of the Fringe Festival. This is a fantastic opportunity and I am looking forward to introducing Pauline to Edinburgh.”

Kelly is, however, also keen for the people of Dagenham to meet Pauline.

She said: “I am in touch with the Barking Broadway Theatre to see if I can perform my show there in the near future.

“My parents are unable to see Pauline in Edinburgh and I would really like them to see her, as well as the rest of the borough.”

Dating George Orwell runs from August 2 to 18 at the White Horse in Edinburgh. Tickets to the show are free and places can be booked at edfringe.com