A TALENTED young actor is to tread the boards as a famous explorer.

Five-year-old Thomas Lloyd, from Mynydd Isa, will play H M Stanley, who was born in Denbigh, in new production, Mr Stanley’s Magic Lantern and The Heart of Darkness.

Thomas, a pupil at Wat’s Dyke Infant School, was chosen for the role after he was spotted by a talent scout while out with his grandmother.

Proud parents Karen and Dilwyn think the play will give him a taste for acting.

“We haven’t taken the route of professional lessons just yet but we are thinking about it,” mum Karen told the Leader.

“He’s really into acting and dressing up. He plays H M Stanley as a little boy so he is not on stage for the whole play but he has a fair few lines to learn.

“He is really excited and a little bit nervous. But once he gets into it, I’m sure he will be fine.”

The play tells the story of Stanley’s upbringing in a St Asaph workhouse and the tense relationship with his mother.

Producer Medwen Roberts said she wants to raise his profile locally and bring his character of international significance back into the public eye.

“The intention of the production is to demonstrate the way in which events from the past resonate in the present,” she said.

“The debate about Stanley’s legacy will be brought to life in the production with one or two surprises for the audience as well.”

The play will be staged at Theatr Twm o’r Nant in Denbigh on Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22.

Call 01745 813431 for tickets.