Baxter Westby, a Year 8 pupil at Ascot's Papplewick School is due the become the latest victim of the 'villain' Richard III.

Baxter, who won a drama scholarship to Wellington earlier this year, has been chosen to appear as Prince Edward in Shakespeare's Richard III at the Almeida Theatre in London - alongside acting stars Ralph Fiennes and Vanessa Redgrave.

As one of the 'princes in the tower' he faces a sad demise at the hands of assassins on a regular basis between June 7 and August 6.

At the end of the run Baxter will travel to Croatia with the rest of the cast to perform there as part of the Ulysses Festival.

Baxter, who won a drama scholarship to Wellington earlier this year, has enjoyed acting since the age of six and has been in several advertisements and films. He recently played the iconic role of ‘Young Charlie Fairhead’ in the 30th anniversary edition of Casualty. He also played Thomas in Blackwood, a feature film and made an appearance with Jim Carrey, who served him in a soup kitchen in KickAss 2.

“We’re all extremely proud of Baxter’s achievements,” said Tom Bunbury, headmaster of Papplewick, said. “Despite the excitement, Baxter continues to work conscientiously, juggling learning the script with rehearsals, revision for his Common Entrance exams and a keen desire to enjoy his final term at Papplewick.”