A RUBERY teenager takes the starring role in the next big play to hit the Birmingham Repertory Theatre this month.

Mikey Lightfoot, aged 13, takes the central role in thoughtful production Only the Lonely.

The gifted young actor, who goes to Waseley Hills High School, plays Joe who is left to befriend a mysterious neighbour when his best friend Billy disappears.

This is the young actor's biggest talking part so far after cutting his teeth in smaller roles at the Rep since he was a six-years-old.

Mother Julie Lightfoot said: "I'm really nervous for Mikey because he has so many lines to be learned.

"But he's deserved this. He's worked very hard to get this part."

Mikey had four auditions before he was selected for the coveted role.

In the play Mikey's character Joe becomes good friends with Bill the 'dog man', who introduces the main character to his main obsessions of maths and gardening.

Things take a turn for the worse when the hunt for his missing friend develops into a murder hunt.

As everybody comes under suspicion Lightfoot's character must choose where his loyalty lies.

Only The Lonely, commissioned by the theatre, is a sharp, funny and incisive exploration of one of modern life's last taboos - the fear of being alone - by the writer of the hit comedy My Best Friend Tamsin Oglesby.

Lightfoot is a rising star on the stage and has also performed in other successful productions at the Rep, including The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol and Beauty and the Beast. Screen actor Johanton Coyne plays Bill the 'dogman'.

The play is to be directed by Lynne Parker, who is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Rough Magic Theatre Company in Ireland.

Only the Lonely plays between November 11 and December 3 (7.45pm start).

Tickets for the show cost £10 (£7.50 concessions) and go to www.birmingham-rep.co.uk, or call the box office on 0121 2364455 to book.