A BUDDING actor is to follow in the footsteps of Lord Olivier as he prepares to tread the boards at one of the world’s most prestigious drama schools.

Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Max Ferguson has been accepted to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, securing one of just 15 places from more than 5,000 hopefuls.

After completing his A-levels at Richmond Sixth Form College, he will take up his place in October at a drama school that has launched a host of actors into illustrious careers, including Sir Lawrence Olivier and Dame Judi Dench.

The 17-year-old, of Middleton Tyas, successfully completed a panel audition and workshop to secure a second day-long trial. He then endured an agonising four-month wait before hearing the good news.

“At the auditions the pressure was intense because everyone wanted a place so badly,” he said.

“I came away feeling a bit deflated because I thought I had blown my chance. I was prepared to put it down to experience when the letter arrived.

“I must admit, I broke down in tears leaving my mother guessing whether I had got the place – she wasn’t sure whether I was acting or not. Then she read the letter and burst into tears.”