A Chelmsford schoolboy who has his sights set on a career on stage has secured a role in a West End musical.

Alex Stuckey, 10, a pupil at Perryfields Junior School, in Lawn Lane, Springfield, recently joined the cast of The Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda the Musical.

Alex, who plays the part of Nigel in the production, said the auditions and rehearsals had been fun, but hard work.

He said: "The auditions took place over a few days and were so much fun! We had to work hard, but it was brilliant to get to act, sing and dance.

"It was so important to listen to the people teaching us as they were giving us notes to help improve our performances."

Alex lives in Broomfield with his parents, Lisa and Olly.

Lisa said: "We're both immensely proud of Alex's hard work that he put into securing the part in Matilda.

"It's an amazing experience to see him up there on that stage doing what he loves."

Alex, who made his West End debut aged eight in the revival of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton, has been attending Tomorrow's Talent theatre school in Well Lane, Danbury, for four years.

Principal Gavin Wilkinson said: "Alex first came to Tomorrow's Talent aged just six, and was rather shy and quiet. With Alex's hard work and determination, he has just opened in his second West End production at the age of 10!

"Alex is a testament to the wealth of talented young people we have in the local area."

Looking to the future, Alex said his dream role would be Willy Wonka, "another brilliant Roald Dahl character", before adding: "If I'm not performing, I would love to design and build rollercoasters because I absolutely love them!"

For more information on the theatre school, visit www.tomorrowstalent.co.uk