TWO Gwent actors are hoping to join Daniel Day Lewis, Jeremy Irons, Miranda Richardson and Amanda Redman on stage and screen - after winning places at a top theatre school.

After beating more than 1,000 other aspiring thespians, David Constant, 30, from Newport, and Ben Addis, 23, from Blaenavon, are starting a course at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School at the end of September.

Graduates of the Old Vic include Gangs of New York star Daniel Day Lewis, the man who first made his name in Brideshead Revisited, Jeremy Irons, Blackadder's Queenie, Miranda Richardson, and At Home With the Braithwaites star Amanda Redman.

So David and Ben hope that after a series of gruelling auditions in front of the school's principal and tutors to get their places, the skills they will be taught will propel them to the same sort of stellar career.

The Gwent duo were chosen from over 1,400 applicants for just 28 places on the school's highly sought-after two-year and three-year professional acting courses.

The pair were first examined in December last year, when they each had to perform two speeches - one from Shakespeare and another from a 20th-century play - in front of a panel of two judges.

They were then recalled for a 'weekend school' of six sessions with members of staff at the school, showcasing many aspects of their ability, including vocal skills and dance.

In May they each received a letter from the school, letting them know that they had been successful.

David, from Stanley Court, Newport, has been involved in amateur dramatics since the age of 19.

After landing a comfortable job in finance and insurance, he was reluctant to follow his dream.

But when he was made redundant last October, David said he got the "kick up the backside" he needed to take the plunge.

And Ben, of Glandstone Terrace, admitted he would not be on the course without the help of a local theatre company.

He said: "If it wasn't for the support and sponsorship of Newport's Ad Hoc Theatre Company, I wouldn't have been able to do this. "The school fees are subsidised, but they're still equivalent to university tuition fees."

Ben and David, who is still looking for sponsorship, will begin their courses on September 30. They will study a wide variety of theatrical disciplines, including dance, vocal skills, television acting and stage combat.