A DREAM has come true for a Widnes schoolboy.

Wade Deacon High School pupil is playing the leading role of Benny in the 25th anniversary production of Her Benny.

The 11-year old beat off strong opposition from other young hopefuls to land the much coveted part.

Writer and director Ann Dalton said: “The part of Benny is a challenging one.

“It 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.”

Her Benny is an emotive tale that centres on the life and times of Benny Bates and his sister Nell in Victorian Liverpool.

It’s a classic rags to riches story with scouse humour, dancing and music.

The professional cast includes ITV Little Boy Blue’s John McGrellis, The Royal’s Linzi Germain and Janet Cowley from the Manchester production of Phantom of the Opera.

Liam, of Heathfield Park, said: “It’s great to be performing with all these fantastic people.

“Even better you get to grow your hair long! I’m having to grow mine much longer than usual because that’s what boys looked like in Victorian times.”

Liam’s acting skills were spotted when he was a six-year-old pupil at Holy Family RC Primary School in Cronton.

Mum Helen, 36, said: “He played the lead role in the Christmas play.

“His teacher Marie Evans told us he had natural talent and suggested we should put him in a drama group.”

Liam joined the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy and is still studying there with drama teacher Andrea Williams.

“He absolutely loves it,” said Helen.“He is so confident.

“Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe is his inspiration. He would love to be an actor like him.”

Liam played the lost boy in Peter Pan, the pyjama boy in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and spider in Her Benny.

He appeared twice as a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz.

Her Benny runs from January 25 to February 10 at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre

To book call the box office on 0151 709 4321 or visit royalcourtliverpool.com.