A FORMER Lyme Regis schoolboy will embark on the latest chapter of his acting career - when he makes his West End debut later this month.

Luke Street, 21, will play Little Rock when the Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of Gypsy transfers to the Savoy.

The former Woodroffe School pupil is thrilled to be embarking on his ambition to perform on the West End stage - and is already feeling at home with the rest of the cast.

"As the West End has been my goal for the last five years, to do it this early out of college is great" explained Luke. "I was nervous at first just because I was joining a cast that had already worked together in their run of Gypsy at Chichester, so that was a daunting thought.

"Those nerves vanished when I turned up to the first rehearsal because everyone was so welcoming."

Luke is not phased about working alongside Imelda Staunton, who will continue to play the leading role of Rose when the production transfers to the Savoy.

"It's an amazing opportunity to work with someone of that high calibre" he said.

"I'm going to learn so much from Imelda. I'm just in awe in rehearsals and not only that, she is so down to earth and lovely."

Luke pins his successful start to his acting career on days spent as a youngster in Lyme Regis - along with a family history of stage acting.

"Without those days on stage, I would not have dreamed pursuing acting as a career" said Luke. "I have loads of fond memories on stage: the Woodroffe School's cabarets, which I'm upset they don't do anymore - but the highlight for me was playing Galileo in We Will Rock You.

"I didn't want to do this until I was around 16 after a Guildford School of Acting summer school. It's such a hard business to be a part of. However I now cannot imagine myself doing anything else. The buzz you get when you are on stage is the best feeling ever."

Gypsy first appeared on Broadway in 1959 to vast acclaim - and will return to the West End after a 40 year absence.

Luke is excited to be portraying Little Rock in the production, and is excited about challenging himself as a 'little dancer boy'.

"I have always been more of a singer, so to get a job as a little dancer boy is going to be so much fun and a challenge" explained Luke.

"I've always loved to tap and now I get to tap for eight shows a week for eight months."

Gypsy will open at the Savoy on Saturday March 28.