Bronwyn is now becoming a star of the West End

Bronwyn James, 21, is appearing in Hangmen at Wyndam’s Theatre in London after a run at the Royal Court.

Penned by In Bruges writer Martin McDonagh, the play has received five-star reviews from various national newspapers and has been watched by A-list thespians including Dame Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman.

Miss James impressed in the play’s auditions so much that she earned a role straight after graduating from Wigan’s Academy of Live and Recorded Art.

She said: “It was my first job. As an actor in training you hear the stories about how you’ll have it hard. I feel really lucky. It’s been so much fun to work with Martin and the rest of the cast, who I’m a huge admirer of.”

The play is a twist-heavy black comedy set on the day hanging has been abolished. Bronwyn portrays Shirley, the daughter of hangman Harry, who is played by David Morrissey.

And a performance of the show will be streamed live at Wakefield’s Cineworld cinema on March 3.

Miss James said it is “really surreal” because she used to visit the same cinema with best friend Jordan Carter to see films at weekends.

Former Outwood Grange pupil Bronwyn, who grew up on Keswick Drive in Flanshaw, has wanted to perform since childhood. She later attended Wakefield’s Cathedral Academy of Performing Arts.

Now the rising star has brushed shoulders with the likes of Helen Mirren, who she chatted with after a show. Miss James said:“She was being very congratulatory and complimentary and wished me all the best for the future.” Bronwyn said.