A BOY who attends a Hitchin drama school has won a lead role in the UK Sound of Music tour, beating hundreds of other hopefuls to the part.

Joe Potter, 13, of Clophill, Beds, was put forward for the role by Emil Dale’s School of Performing Arts (EDSA), and after a lengthy audition process won the part of Freidrich, one of the Von Trapp children.

He will begin his six-month tour in October, covering cities such as Oxford, Bristol and Edinburgh.

“The minute he walked through our doors, we thought he had something special,” said Emil Dale, founder of the EDSA. “We just knew that we had to send him through to this audition.”

“We’re all so excited that he’s been given this opportunity, he’s done so well.”

Joe found out about his success last week, and will begin rehearsals next month for three weeks before appearing on stage.

He may also be joined by a well known face, as talent show winner Connie Fisher is currently appearing in the musical.

And despite starring in a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, his studies will continue as normal with the help of an assigned tutor.

Joe’s brother Max, 11, got to the final three boys for the part of Kurt, just missing out on the role.

With the success of the two brothers The EDSA hopes to submit more talent from to professional stage and screen productions, following an approval from the casting agency Spotlight.

“We’re so proud of the boys, and hope we are as successful with other talent in the future,” said Emil.