A TEENAGER from Taunton who has worked tirelessly on his theatre skills since childhood has had his hard work pay off.

Bruno Sherwood, who turns 17 today (Friday, February 23), has been selected to perform in a huge musical theatre production in Belfast, following a successful audition for the British Youth Music Theatre.

He will perform in a musical adaptation of Northern Ireland writer Tony Macaulay’s 'All Growed Up' at the Lyric Theatre Belfast this August.

Bruno's mum, Emma, explained that around only 10% of applicants successfully make it through the audition stage, and is full of pride for her son's achievement.

“I am so proud of him," she said.

“He’s just such a lovely kid, and he's absolutely deserving of this.

“He works so hard - he doesn’t get a day off, he’s always got something on.”

Emma is appealing for companies that offer community grants who would like to sponsor Bruno's theatre venture to help out, as it will set her family back £1,900, excluding flights.

If you want to help fund what could be Bruno's 'big break' in the real of performing arts, email emma.sherwood@googlemail.com.

Although now a student at The SPACE performing arts school in Monkton Heathfield, near Taunton, Bruno's stage presence first became apparent when he was given a leading role in his school production at the age of eleven.

He shared the 'Best Performance' award at Holy Trinity Primary School after some impressive improvisation when something went wrong during the performance - much to the delight of parents in attendance.

It really is a case of 'hard work pays off' for Bruno, as he spends every day of the week honing his performance abilities.

His mum Emma said he has the support of his entire extended family behind him, including his aunts, cousins, grandparents, and brother.