A MAN who suffered flashbacks after nearly drowning in the Worcester to Birmingham canal has quit his job to take a bow in a West End showcase.

Steve Kingett plunged into the Worcester to Birmingham canal trying to dodge a fallen tree after severe storms last October.

The 38-year-old was convinced he was going to die until Cavalier Tavern landlord Richard Wilkins, his wife Wendy and a postman drinking at the pub in Barbourne, Worcester, pulled him to safety.

Since the accident Mr Kingett said he has suffered flashbacks to the incident.

It was one of the reasons behind his decision to leave his job as a polisher at Royal Worcester Porcelain, and move out of Worcester, he said.

After moving to Surrey in March he saw an advert in the actors' magazine The Stage, for the show To Die For.

"This accident made me think about a lot of things and I decided I needed to make changes in my life" he said.

"The move to Surrey has completely changed my life.

"One of the reasons I had to move out of Worcester was the accident - I couldn't handle it."

The show, which will take place at the London Palladium for one night only, on Sunday, June 22, is a showcase for up and coming actors.

"I've had no training to be an actor," said Mr Kingett.

"I started off at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, as stage crew and have been for a few auditions before."

Mr Kingett said there were 350 hopefuls at the audition, but only 10 men and 50 women were chosen.

"I'm one of the boyfriends, I'll be speaking a few lines and singing and dancing with the rest of the chorus," he said.

Mr Kingett had been cycling home from work along St George's Lane North when he spotted a tree on the footpath, cycled round it and slipped on the mud.

He spent two hours in Worcestershire Royal Hospital recovering from his ordeal.

Mr Kingett said he knew acting was a tough profession and did not know if it would be a full-time career for him but he was going to give it his best shot on the night.