A CWMBRAN thespian is off to make his fame and fortune after he successfully auditioned for West End box-office hit Les Miserables.

John Williams, 25, of Maesgwyn, will tread the boards of London's The Palace Theatre in late July as an ensemble member, and he hopes to take on cast roles in the future.

He said: "I'd always wanted to go to drama school, but could never afford it. This achievement just goes to show you can do anything if you keep trying.

"I'm really scared, but excited. It's a great opportunity so I'm going to go for it 100 per cent."

John, originally from Pontypool and a former pupil at Green Lawn School, auditioned for the part almost two months ago in Cardiff.

He got involved in amateur dramatics at a young age and recently appeared in several productions at Newport's Dolman Theatre, including Little Shop of Horrors, and Godspell. He also tours Britain with the John Oliver live tribute band, and said he was sorry to bid his musical colleagues farewell.