A young actor is treading the boards in a hit West End play.

Actor James Dryden, formerly of Clayton-le-Moors, is starring in black comedy ‘Hangmen’, which is currently showing at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End.

The play, which has received rave reviews, follows a hangman, played by David Morrissey, as different characters in a small pub in Oldham seek his reaction to the abolition of corporal punishment.

Former Accrington Moorhead pupil James is playing the role of ‘Clegg’, a journalist trying to get into Harry’s head.

James, 26, had previously played small roles in the film Mr Turner and TV shows Father Brown and Doctors, but Hangmen has been his big break.

He said: “I’ve just been auditioning away and this came along and I managed to get the part.

“It’s the best job I have been involved in so far, it’s amazing working alongside everyone in the cast.

“I am very fortunate, they’re all brilliant actors.”

James added: “I was in HMS Pinafore when I was 14 in amateur dramatic society Buddies in Accrington and I kept acting from there.

“Hangmen is awesome, it’s one of those things where everyone’s laughing even though it’s a bit risky - it’s such a dark comedy.”

James Dryden alongside David Morrissey in Hangmen.

James left East Lancashire to pursue his acting career, studying at the Central School of Speech and Drama and he has been professional for four years. Although James has lived in London for six years, he still misses his home town.

He said: “Everything costs so much it’s ridiculous, it’s a bit crazy here. I still completely miss the North.”

His mother Michelle, now of Fielding Lane, Great Harwood, said she and James’ father - also called James - are proud of their son’s achievements.

She said: “It’s just something he wanted to do, and we want him to do whatever makes him happy.

“I think this is the biggest thing James has done. He’s never been in a West End play before. He’s done really well for himself, I’m very proud.”

Hangmen has received rave reviews from theatre critics and won Best New Play at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards.

Starting at the Royal Court Theatre in October, Hangmen transferred to the West End where it runs until March 5.

A performance of Hangmen will be broadcast in cinemas, including at Accrington, on March 3 as part of National Theatre Live.