SCHOOLBOY Matthew Waters is getting ready to appear on stage alongside the actor who plays Ian Beale in EastEnders as panto time comes to the Wyvern in Swindon.

Matthew, 14, who is a pupil at Devizes School will play the role of the lead Lost Boy called Slightly in Peter Pan which begins on December 2.

EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt will take the role of Captain Hook and Matthew has already been getting in tune for the swashbuckling show at regular rehearsals.

His mum Susi said: "We are very proud of Matthew. He is incredibly excited to be performing in 26 shows at the Wyvern Theatre this year.

"Matthew began to show an interest in singing, drama and musical theatre whilst still at Wansdyke Primary. He has performed in many shows with Devizes Musical Theatre Footlights, Mac's Theatre School and Devizes School where he played Oliver in Oliver the musical' in his first year there. Last year he performed at the Wyvern in the musical Cats.

"Neither his dad , Howard, nor me are musical in any way, nor do we act so he doesn't get his passion from us."

Matthew, who has weekly singing lessons with with Naomi Ibbetson, originally thought he had missed out on a chance of a part in the pantomime when he was away on a Duke of Edinburgh weekend when auditions were held in February. But at Easter he was invited along to a workshop in Oxford by the producer who gave him the part.

Devizes School publicity officer Karen Sims said: " His audition included learning a dance routine and singing Happy Birthday. Needless to say Matthew passed with flying colours.

"Opening night for the show and for Matthew will be Saturday, December 2 and we are told many friends and family will be there to see his first performance."

He will be appearing each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday twice a day until December 31.