A CLYDEBANK teenager who has loved performing since the age of five has landed a key opportunity to appear with one of the UK’s top theatre groups.

Matthew Don, 16, will appear on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Theatre Royal when they bring Romeo and Juliet to Glasgow later this month.

Along with other aspiring thespians, he will join the professional cast to share the role of chorus in what is possibly Shakespeare’s most popular and best known play.

Matthew, who lives in Clydebank, but attends Dumbarton Academy, told the Post: “I am really looking forward to what will be an amazing experience appearing which such a renowned theatre company.”

The youngsters set to perform in Romeo and Juliet were selected at the Theatre Royal’s drama workshops.

Although delighted to have been chosen, Matthew will not be fazed by the dramatic setting of the Theatre Royal as he has performed on stage there seven or eight times in various shows.

The teenager’s love of musical theatre was sparked when, at the age of five he attended classes at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Clydebank.

He said: “I was a quiet child and my mum enrolled me in the hope it would bring me out of my shell.”

This proved to be the beginning of Matthew’s love for musical theatre and in the years to follow he has appeared in many shows.

Matthew added: “One highlight for me was in January this year when I played Tony in West Side Story at Webster’s Theatre in Glasgow.

“It was the first time I had played a leading character and it was an amazing experience.There was a great cast, which included a lot of friends, and that made it even more memorable.”

Matthew, who lists Ben Platt and Ramin Karimloo among the singers and actors who have inspired him, is confident his appearance with the Royal Shakespeare Company will further boost his career in musical theatre and he has his sights set on the bright lights of London.

Erica Whyman, the production director of Romeo and Juliet, said: “By inviting these young people to join us on stage I want to celebrate the diverse talent of the UK.”

Romeo and Juliet will be at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal from March 19 to 23.