YOUNG actor Gareth Farr has a nose for a good part...

The Leigh actor has landed the role of Snout in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

And the achievement is all the more impressive as Gareth got the part with one of the country's foremost theatre companies less than a year since turning professional.

Gareth, aged 24, a former Bedford High School and Leigh Sixth Form College pupil, said: "I joined the RSC in December last year, and had only left drama school last July.

"I have done very well indeed and am really enjoying it."

Gareth attended Manchester Metropolitan University, before studying drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is touring the country and is due to arrive at The Lowry from May 14 to 18. It is being directed by Richard Jones, making his RSC debut, and so far has received positive reviews. The story is one of Shakespeare's best loved and is a mixture of comedy and romance.

The run began at the RSC's home in Stratford-upon-Avon, back in February, and as well as appearing as Snout, Gareth is understudy for the larger part of Bottom. Last month he was given a chance to shine in the role on six consecutive nights.

He said: "It was unbelievable. It was a big goal to appear in a major role for the RSC, and now I have achieved it, albeit standing in for someone else.

"To get six goes at the role was mouthwatering -- I am just hoping for more of the same, please."

Since leaving his drama course Gareth has rarely been out work. As soon as he turned professional he was offered a part in an episode of Heartbeat. While there he won a role at Salisbury Playhouse.

He added: "Who knows where I will be next. That's the beauty of this profession -- it really is an adventure."