A NEWPORT actor will star as Tom Jones in a new musical story of his life which opens today.

Kit Orton, 33, who went to Monmouth School, will step into the shoes of the Welsh legend in biographical musical Tom: A Story of Tom Jones.

Mr Orton will tour the UK with the musical, which kicks off with shows at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff this week from March 7 to 12.

The musical premiered in Pontypridd in 2014 and Mr Orton will now resume the lead role - nearly two years on.

He said: “It was an incredible experience being part of this show in 2014, and this time around it’s going to be even bigger and better.

“Roles like this don’t come around often – this one just jumped out at me.

“It was scary, but more exciting than anything, playing Tom in his hometown.

“The reaction from the audience was amazing and we always had positive feedback.

“The show tells the story of his earlier years – he was very different when he was younger. He was a bit rockier, less soulful, and influenced by Elvis. His voice is one of a kind.”

Tom Jones performed in venues across Gwent in the late 1960s and 1970s before rocketing to worldwide fame.

Steve Roberts said: “He played a whole week in residence at The Helmaen Club [in Usk] in January 1974, just before he moved to the States on a permanent basis.

Gerald Evans, now aged 83 meanwhile, who was an events coordinator for Blackwood-based company South Wales Switchgear, claims he gave Tom Jones his big break by booking him for an event in Cardiff.

Mr Orton, who has starred in various West End production, said he was used to singing in the style of the Delilah singer.

“When my agent called about the audition, I had already been singing It’s Not Unusual in karaoke bars for year," he added. "It was meant to be.”

The musical is set in the 60s and features some of the star’s hits including Delilah, Green, Green Grass of Home and What’s New Pussycat?

While at Monmouth School, Mr Jones took part in productions at the school. Since he left, the school has built the Blake Theatre.

He said: “It was literally a year after I left that I drove past and saw the theatre. It’s really good to see that drama and performing arts have better facilities at the school now though.”

He said: “Nothing’s gone wrong in Tom yet, although the cast played tricks on me all the time in the last run, because they know I get the giggles easily.”