A TEENAGE actor from Chelmsford who is taking the West End world by storm has just landed his biggest gig yet, staring alongside Hollywood star Martin Freeman.

William Keeler, 13, of Great Waltham, is currently wowing audiences alongside The Hobbit star in a revamped version of the Shakespeare classic Richard III. William, who goes to New Hall School, Boreham, plays the role of Prince of York – the nephew of the king.

He also stars alongside Gina McKee – of Our Friends in the North and Notting Hill fame – who plays his mum.

A twist on the play sees it set in the Seventies s, as opposed to the 15th century.

William, who trains in acting, dance and singing at Chelmsford theatre school Tomorrow’s Talent, is no stranger to the West End. He also appeared in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Singin’ in the Rain and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda.

He has also made an appearance on EastEnders.

Of his latest hit role, William said: “For the audition I had to learn quite a lot of scenes and then travel up to London to meet the director, Jamie Lloyd.

“I had to go through the script and also walk around as though I had a hunchback and a limp.

“The language is easy to say but you do have to get the correct meaning of the words to say the lines well though.”

GavinWilkinson, principal at Tomorrow’s Talent, said William was testament to the amount of talent in and around the Chelmsford area.

He said: “William first came to Tomorrow’s Talent aged six and was rather shy and quiet. With his hard work and determination he has just opened his fourth West End production!

“We are obviously very proud of his achievements here at the school an hope he goes on to great things.”