Sam Jackson will make his stage debut as Billy Casper in Derby Theatre’s production of Kes this autumn.
Jackson will be known to many young people through his role as charismatic, confident and flirty Alex in the BAFTA award-winning teen drama Skins on E4.
The 19-year-old has appeared in a number of shows such as Heartbeat (Yorkshire Television) and My Spy Family (Boomerang).
Jackson said, “I'm very excited and extremely grateful to have this opportunity to play Billy.
“It's a great piece of writing and I can't wait to get stuck into rehearsals.
“As it’s my first professional theatre job, I'll be working hard. At the same time, though, it'll be great fun; like going back to school and being a kid all over again!”
Samantha Seager who has appeared in Coronation Street, Holby City and Waterloo Road will play Mrs Casper.
Andrew Westfield, who grew up in the Peak District, will play Sugden, the role made famous by late actor Brian Glover in the film Kes.
Westfield appeared in John Godber’s Perfect Pitch at Derby Playhouse in 2000.
Paul Clarkson will play Mr Porter and Mr Grice. He is a former associate director of Derby Playhouse where he directed Outside Edge, Women in Love and Laurel and Hardy.
The role of Jud, Billy’s brother, will be played by Jimmy Fairhurst. He has appeared in stage productions of King Lear and ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore for Cheek by Jowl theatre company.
John Elkington, who appeared in the recent touring production of Chekhov’s The Seagull at Derby Theatre, will play Mr Farthing.
Completing the cast are Luke Broughton, Nova Skipp, John Holt-Roberts and Thomas Pickles.
Thirty-six young people from across Derbyshire will join the professional company. Three teams of 12 will play Billy’s classmates.
Kes runs at Derby Theatre from Friday 13 September until Saturday 5 October.