A CALDICOT man has landed a part in his first West End show.

Jamie Morgan, 21, is to be the lead horse, Joey, in the National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse – an adaptation of the the novel by Michael Morpurgo.

The story follows a teenage boy named Albert

Narracott from Devon and his horse Joey as they battle to survive the First World War in France.

The horses are puppets made from crane frames and take three people to operate. Mr Morgan will be operating the horse’s head at the New London Theatre when the new cast takes over in March.

All three actors who operate Joey work together to emulate the horse, including snorting noises.

The former Caldicot Comprehensive School pupil graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in July of last year.

He said: “This is my first big job since I left drama school – it’s amazing as it’s unusual to start on the West End straight from school. I was expecting to do odd jobs for a few years at least.

“I’m really excited to be on the West End and be around such experienced actors. It’s such a strenuous show – we’ve all been doing circuit training as you have to be quite fit to carry the horse around.”

Mr Morgan will be taking part in four shows a week as Joey and will also be part of the ensemble.

He added: “War Horse is such a well-loved show and I’m excited to be a part of it.”