Hidden behind a hedgerow and set back from the main road, on first impression East 15 Acting School looks like an unassuming collection of buildings set in a tranquil green oasis. Once inside, however, it is a creative hothouse positively buzzing with untapped talent and youthful energy.

Waiting in the canteen to meet third year BA Acting students Danny Kennedy and Hannah Rose, who are preparing to star in Cardiff East at the school’s Corbett Theatre, I watch budding actors go over lines, friends exchange impassioned arguments about Shakespeare and one student burst into spontaneous song à la Fame (minus the ‘80s fashion, thankfully).

“One thing about East 15 is you are safe,” says 22-year-old Danny. “You know when there is a play you will be cast and effectively have work but that changes when you get into the real world.

“That said, the reason all of us are here is because we feel we have something to offer and we feel we can go out there and make a difference.”

Preparing students for the realities of the industry is key to the school’s ethos, and in keeping with this, external directors are invited to take the helm for the graduate year season of plays.

Most recently Max Key, who has worked with the National Youth Theatre, has taken direction for Peter Gill’s Cardiff East, which follows the trials and tribulations of a small under-privileged Welsh community during one day in 1997.

Danny, who stars as priest Michael the linchpin of the community, explains the play has particular resonance. “I’m inherently working class and growing up in that environment there is nothing sentimental,” Danny tells me sincerely.

“If you have no money you have no money, you just deal with it and Peter Gill has found that really well in the dialogue, it’s incredibly true to life.”

Of course, like all good actors there have been challenges, notably playing characters generations older and grappling with a “very specific” accent.

“We have had lots of movement classes to get that achey bone feeling, and then there is the accent,” says Hannah, 20, with just a touch of apprehension.

Charming, mature and ever the professionals, somehow I think these stars of tomorrow are up to the task.

Cardiff East runs from Wednesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 13, 7.30pm. Matinee, Friday, 2.30pm. Tickets: 01702 328335 or www.east15.ac.uk