One of Kingstons most successful young actors will perform at the Royal Opera House this Christmas with the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT).

Chik Okonkwo, 19, ex-head boy at Southborough School, is among a cast of 30 performers in The Dreaming, the NYMTs adaptation of Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream.

However, it is not the first time Chik has received plaudits for his ability to perform.

He recently won a competition to present on Childrens ITV and has also been shortlisted from 12,000 aspiring stars on the BBCs Young Hopefuls contest, in which 10 talented individuals will be offered contracts with the Beeb.

Chik said: I have been really privileged to have these opportunities. It is a lot of hard work but it is something I have always wanted. I would love to get into television and film.

Despite so many highs, success has not come easily for Chik. He has a gruelling schedule and his performances take him across the country.

Having left behind his dream of becoming a professional footballer, Chik is studying for a business computing degree at Surrey University just in case his acting career falls through.

Councillor David Booth, governor of Southborough School, has supported Chik by raising funds for the NYMT and is also keen to see the boroughs schools get the recognition they deserve.

He said: Southborough has always been a centre for music and drama.

The productions we put on in the 1950s were professional even then, but more recently our skills have gone unrecognised.

Kingstons new theatre is also set to benefit from Chiks passion for acting the promising talent has already pledged to come back and put on a show in his home town.

Chiks family, who have been instrumental in his success, will be among the audience at the Royal Opera House.

For further information about the NYMT, or to book tickets for The Dreaming, phone 020 7304 4000.

By.David Rankin