A TALENTED Halesowen College drama student has been chosen from more than 500 male performers across the Midlands to star in the Lord of the Flies at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Dereece Leigh-Gayle will be joining Matthew Bourne’s production and was chosen after a series of intensive workshop auditions run by the leading dance company, both at the college and the theatre.

The 17-year-old is now being put through his paces in rehearsals with the cast to prepare for the four night run which opens on Wednesday May 14.

Dereece, who lives in Halesowen, is a first year student on the BTEC level three extended diploma in performing arts acting.

Course leader Ben Cox said: “We are all immensely proud of Dereece’s achievement and cannot wait to see him take the stage at the Hippodrome.

“What makes this project so inspiring is that a company as respected and inspirational as this, is working to develop the aspirations and skills of young male performers in physical theatre and dance across the country.

“For Dereece this is well deserved as he has worked tirelessly to achieve the highest standards on his course this year so this just tops off what has been a very successful year for him already.

“I very much hope that this experience will further his drive and determination to become one of our performing stars of the future.”