AN ASPIRING actor from St Albans has landed the lead role in West End musical Oliver.

Edward Holtom, ten, a student at Top Hat Stage School, has been given the chance to take centre stage in Charles Mackintosh's adapted version of Lionel Bart's smash hit show at the Drury Lane Theatre in London.

The Aboyne Lodge School pupil, of Church Crescent, St Albans, who started in the production as a workhouse boy appearing in the opening number, Food Glorious Food, will be sharing the starring role with three other boys.

Appearing on the same stage will be Jodie Prenger, winner of BBC1 TV talent show, I'd Do Anything, as Nancy and Griff Rhys Jones, who is waiting in the wings, ready to take on the role of Fagin from December 14.

Warren Bacci, principal of the drama school in Welwyn Garden City, said: "We are all so happy for Edward. We always knew he had natural raw talent and an amazing singing voice when he was at Top Hat.

"I am sure that this will be just the beginning of an amazing career and I cannot wait to come and see his opening night.”

Edward will debut on stage on Thursday, December 17.