One knight only for Matthew (From Penarth Times)

One knight only for Matthew

A PENARTH schoolboy was chosen to play a leading role in a drama starring actor Matthew Rhys, which paid tribute to Richard Burton at the historic opening of the Wales Millennium Centre last weekend.

James Green, 12, who attends Stanwell Comprehensive School, was put forward by his teachers for auditions, held at the Chapter Arts Centre, to take part in one of five plays produced by the BBC to mark the opening of Wales' new home for the arts.

In the tribute to screen and stage legend Richard Burton, James played the part of Tom Mallory, the young boy who was desperate to fight for King Arthur in his defence of Camelot.

King Arthur was played by actor Matthew Rhys.

James, who had to attend rehearsals every evening for two weeks in the build-up to the event, met a host of stars including Bryn Terfel, Ian McKellen, who played the part of Gandolf in Lord of the Rings, Rhodri Llewellyn, Timothy Price and Fiona Phillips.

James said: "It really was a fantastic experience. I'd never really done any serious acting before, but it is something I would definitely like to pursue now. It's really given me a taste for it. It was a great feeling being on stage when the evening came. The applause at the end was deafening."

Tom's mum Sarah Green said: "I'm the glowing mum at the moment. I'm very proud of him."

Another Stanwell pupil, Tim Berendse, also 12, was chosen by the celebration organisers as an understudy to James for the Tom Mallory role.