A YOUNG actor is taking a final turn on the school stage before taking up a place at drama school.

Durham School is putting on a production of Oliver! at the Gala Theatre, in Durham.

Eighteen-year-old Ben Pullman is leading the cast, as Fagin, before taking up a place at the Guildford School of Acting.

He said: “I can’t wait to perform to my friends and family as Fagin at the Gala Theatre in my last big production as part of the school.”

The three-day run finishes today with a 2.30pm matinee and evening show.

Tickets are £15 and are available from the box office or by calling 03000 266 600.

Amy Brownlee, the school’s head of drama, said: “I’m delighted to have led the school in this large scale production and feel privileged to teach such talented young people, both cast and crew, who have worked incredibly hard to make the show happen.

“The company is 70 pupils strong, and I’m sure this will be a truly memorable experience for all involved.

“I’m incredibly proud of the pupils, the full team effort and the very high standard of theatre they have achieved.”