A sixth form student at The King’s School is sitting in the director’s chair this term.

Edward Ramsey, a Year 12 student, is directing Tom Stoppard’s short one-act play The Real Inspector Hound as an extended project.

The 16-year-old is more used to treading the boards at the Wrexham Road school’s Vanbrugh Theatre and in high heels - he recently played transvestite director Roger De Bris in the school’s production of The Producers.

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Edward’s new role has convinced him to choose a career in the theatre. He said: “Directing has introduced me to the bigger world of the theatre- through the unseen jobs such as the technical side, or the designer’s contribution, but it has also convinced me of my desire to pursue directing and acting as a career.

Edward Ramsey

“Much of it has been tough; and tiring, to say the least. Fortunately, since I had chosen a play with a minimal character list, I had no need for an audition process as I knew exactly who I wanted for each role.

“And with an element of luck, I was granted my desired cast- and they work with great enthusiasm and attention.”

The Real Inspector Hound stars fellow King’s students Finlay Paterson, Tom Cuffin-Munday, Simon Parker, Rebecca Hatton, Eleri Reece-Jones, Erika Ignata and Allan Prossor with Edward in the eponymous role.

Deputy stage manager is Harry Edwards and the poster design is by Erin Hollingworth.

The Real Inspector Hound is at the Vanbrugh Theatre on Wednesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 11 at 7:30pm. Admission is free but tickets need to be booked via the What’s On section of the King’s School website www.kingschester.co.uk .