EWAN Phillips was just six when he was stage-struck.

The Lymm High School pupil used to watch his big sister Eve at Little Stars stage school in Appleton and he wanted to be just like her.

He said: "She was one of the first people to join Little Stars and I watched the shows and thought it looked exciting and really enjoyable.

"She played Tweedledum in Alice in Wonderland. That was really funny."

So Ewan joined Little Stars in 2011 and the pair were in High School Musical together.

The 11-year-old has not looked back since and is now reaping the benefits with his biggest opportunity playing Nathan in The Full Monty tour.

Following a successful audition in Manchester in December, Ewan is now sharing the role with three other boys until May.

They work in pairs living away from home for two weeks with a chaperone and then returning for two weeks to see their family and catch up at school.

Ewan's mum Clare added: "His teachers have been really supportive and have been sending him lots of work. He doesn’t get out of any class work or home work."

After rehearsals in Tunbridge Wells and Llandudno, Ewan started his part of the tour in Ipswich.

Speaking before his first performance, Ewan said: "I’m really excited. I’ve got a bit of nerves about the first show but I think that’s good as it gets the adrenaline flowing.

"I’ll miss my family and my cat Bella the most as well as some of my friends.

"The first scene is really big. So much goes on and so one of the biggest challenges has been rehearsing for that.

"As well as having lines to remember I have to move crates and chairs around the set.

"You can’t see the audience on stage because of all the lighting and that helps because you don’t get to see a thousand daunting faces."

Clare added: "I always feel really proud when I see Ewan or Eve doing any of their acting. We always cheers and make a lot of noise and I generally cry at some point."

Before The Full Monty, Ewan appeared in the film Molly Crows, did various voiceovers for CITV and filmed adverts for the Co-op.

The former Ravenbank Primary School pupil represented 'Z for zeppelins' in BBC's A to Z of the First World War to make information about the 100th anniversary of the conflict more accessible to youngsters.

Ewan also played a part in the second series of Channel 4's The Mill about the terrible conditions unpaid apprentices had to work in less than 200 years ago.

Lauren Kelly, who runs Little Stars with Charlotte Murphy, said: "Ewan truly is a little star in every sense of the word. He's always worked extremely hard in class and gained distinctions in every exam he's ever taken.

"We're always proud of our students but going to watch them in a professional production is always a special experience."

Meanwhile, Little Stars has been shortlisted for an award for the best activity for five to 12 year olds from the website 'What's On 4 Little Ones'.

Lauren added: "I'm delighted Little Stars have been nominated for the award. Both Charlotte and myself juggle our careers around the stage school because we're passionate about teaching children.

"It would be amazing to win and be recognised."

Meanwhile, the stage school's next production is The Secret Code at the Pyramid on May 9 and is part of a world record breaking attempt.

Thespians all around the world will be performing the same show at the same time.

Lauren said: "It's set during the Second World War and there are 70 groups taking part to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the conflict.

"We were delighted to be approached by the organisers and asked to represent Warrington."

- To vote for Little Stars to win the 'What's On 4 Little Ones' award visit whatson4littleones.co.uk/award-voting.asp

- For tickets for The Secret Code visit pyramidparrhall.com or call 442345.