AN aspiring actor from Kidderminster is to fulfil his dream of performing on a West End stage after wowing chief directors at the National Youth Theatre.

After studying street dance, stage combat and vocal technique with the company that launched the career of Hollywood heartthrob, Orlando Bloom, last summer, Paul Taylor-Mills has been given a role in its forthcoming annual production at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, London.

The 17-year-old - who was last featured in the Shuttle/Times & News when he beat off stiff competition from thousands of aspiring performers to gain a place on the course - is currently attending casting auditions with the 50 other budding stars guaranteed places in the cast.

He is also auditioning for degree courses in contemporary musical theatre at Mountview Academy, Guildford School of Acting and East 15 Acting School and believes his university studies will be aided by the "valuable experience" gained in the forthcoming NYT production, which will run throughout August and September.

"As I am yet to have undergone any professional training I was amazed when I was offered the chance to perform alongside some of the best new performers in the country," he said.

"Last year it was reported in the Shuttle/Times & News that it was my dream to perform in the West End and now I've done it."

The Spennells teenager, who cut his acting teeth with Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section, added he was "thrilled" to be spending another summer in the capital city after working with influential directors and actors last year, including EastEnders' star Shane Richie.

He also worked intensively with musical directors and choreographers from the shows, Singing in the Rain and Anything Goes.

Paul, who can also currently be seen as an "extra" on the ITV detective show, Midsomer Murders, and modelling high street chainstore, New Look's, men's summer collection, added: "As I am still young I have some anxieties but, at the same time, I am very excited."