Kilbirnie teen lands West End dream

A 19-year-old from Kilbirnie is heading to London’s West End after landing a role in a new musical production.

Eli McFarland has been cast as Young Benoit in Martin Guerre, which will be performed at the Old Vic in October.

The role comes just two months after he graduated from the Theatre College of Scotland with an HND in musical theatre.

McFarland, who is autistic, was unable to attend most of secondary school and left without qualifications, but his talent saw him receive offers from every college he auditioned for, and has since secured professional agency representation.

The musical has been developed by the creators of *Les Misérables*, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, and will be directed by Matthew Warchus.