YOUNG Joshua Kavanagh has his sights set on becoming the next big star of the West End after landing another major role.

The 11-year-old wowed more than 1,500 theatre-goers following his performance as Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Wakefield Theatre Royal earlier this year.

He also performed the same role in the show with the Rotherham Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) at Rotherham Civic Theatre last month.

But he’s now landed himself a role on the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, performing as one of the five boys sharing the lead role of Benji.

The professional tour opens in Manchester in mid-February 2026, following rehearsals in London in late January, and will run until mid-July.

Joshua, a year seven pupil at Horizon Community College, will alternate performances on a week-on, week-off basis, travelling from Sheffield, where the young cast will be chaperoned and tutored while on tour, before returning home to attend regular school during their off weeks.

He began performing at just four years old and has trained ever since with JL Dance Company on Summer Lane, where he continues to develop his technique in dance, stagecraft, and performance.

His teachers describe him as ‘dedicated, expressive and full of energy’ - a young performer who brings warmth and professionalism to every role.

His mum, Kayla, told the Chronicle: “We’re so proud of Joshua - he’s worked incredibly hard from a young age, and this tour is the result of years of commitment and passion.

“He absolutely loves being on stage, and we’re thrilled to see his talent recognised on a national level.”