A WIDNES schoolboy has landed the star role in the rags to riches musical Her Benny.

Nine-year-old Sam Ryan, from Heathfield Park, says he is very excited to have beaten fierce competition to win his first lead.

He will portray the life of orphan boy Benny Bates who struggled to survive in Liverpool’s Victorian slums.

He scrapes a living running errands whilst his frail sister, Nelly, sells matches.

Their mother is dead and when their drunken father becomes violent to her, they run away.

The show, adapted from Silas Hockings’ Her Benny published in 1879, is at The Brindley from April 9-12.

Cronton Primary School pupil, Sam studies dance and drama at Natalie Dignum Theatre School.

The show’s writer and director, Anne Dalton, said: “The part of Benny is a challenging one.

“He is honest yet streetwise, tough yet sensitive.

“The part is bigger than most juvenile lead roles in musicals and I am delighted to have found a youngster who is just perfect for the role.

"Due to his age and the licensing laws, he will share the performances required for the role with other local performers."

Liam Evans, aged 13, from Holborn Court, Widnes, Joe Gaffney, aged 11, from Porthleven Rd, Runcorn and Lachlan Morris, aged 12, from High Gate Close, Runcorn will support him.

They are all currently learning songs and choreography with a professional cast and other youngsters aged eight to 18.

The show which has sold out the 2,400 seater Liverpool Empire several times is now touring more intimate venues.

Anne added: “Any worries about staging the show outside its original setting of Liverpool have long since vanished.

“More than 100,000 people who have seen it staged in places as far apart as North Wales and Teeside stand as testimony to the magical appeal and quality of the production.

"I am so delighted with The Brindley as a venue and the quality of the youngsters involved that I can’t wait for opening night.”

Tickets are available from the box office on 0151 907 8360 and online at thebrindley@halton.gov.uk