TALENTED teenager Alex Foott from Dorchester is set to tread the boards in London as he pursues a career on the stage.

He has been offered a place at the Italia Conti Academy, Britain’s oldest theatre arts training school, which is renowned throughout the world as a centre of excellence.

Alex will start a three-year performing arts degree in September providing he can gets the funds together.

Alex, of Normandy Way, Dorchester, is currently studying for his A-levels at the Thomas Hardye School. It has long been his dream to act but it was not until he joined Weymouth-based WOW Youth Musical Theatre four years ago that he was able to develop his talents.

It was through WOW that he also developed a passion for singing and dancing, taking lead roles in The Pirates Of Penzance and Les Miserables.

He also played Jesus in a school production of Jesus Christ Superstar and entered the Dorset Echo-backed Stars Sensation contest.

“I’d love to be on the West End stage but would also like to do film and television work,” said Alex, who turns 18 at the end of May and works in the kitchen of Damers restaurant at Dorset County Hospital.

He added: “The three-year course at Italia Conti will give equal attention to singing, dancing and acting so I’m really looking forward to going.

“For me, there’s nothing like the rush of adrenaline when you’re on the stage.”

For his Italia Conti audition he read monologues from Hamlet and Amadeus, sang a song from the stage version of the Lion King and choreograph and performed two dances.

Alex’s mum Gill said: “We’re all thrilled that Alex has got a place at this academy.

“The only problem is that because of the recession the academy is only able to offer Alex a 25 per cent scholarship which means he still has to find about £10,000.

“If he can find the money for the first year the academy will fund the remaining part of the course.

“He has been saving up and is prepared to work all summer but we’d like to know if there are any organisations out there who can help him with funding.”

Anyone who can help can contact Alex on 07725 809273.