The temptation of chocolate has given a Kent schoolboy the sweet taste of success – starring in the top West End musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The production of the children's classic has just opened at the Theatre Royal, in Drury Lane.

Jack Costello, 12, has a starring role, playing the character Charlie Bucket, bringing to life Roald Dahl's dark tale of the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful chocolate factory, it's the dream of every youngster to feast on delightful sweets.

But beyond the gates he soon discovers everything is not as sweet as it seems.

Jack Costello is not new to the West End stage. He first made his professional debut as Nipper in Oliver! in 2009 and has also stared as Gustave in Love Never Dies and Gavroche in Les Miserables.

The Judd grammar school boy lives in Tunbridge Wells with his parents and brothers Harry, Charlie and Tom, along with their dog Arnie.

Jack's head teacher Robert Masters said: "We're incredibly proud of his achievements. He's a highly talented and hard working young man who has his feet firmly on the ground.

"I have no doubt he's going on to even greater things."

The youngster has enjoyed singing and drama since the age of six and attends the Recall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.

The musical, directed by Sam Mendes, is full of fantastical treats, including a chocolate garden and an army of squirrels.

Critics had praise for Jack, who was described in the Guardian review as "displaying a sprightly assurance."

The Theatre Royal has just been restored to its Georgian splendour in a £4million project.