For Preston Nyman, playing the lead in a Roald Dahl classic is a dream come true, especially as it is one of the lesser known works of the great children’s author.

“George’s Marvellous Medicine is not as famous as say Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Matilda, so it feels more fresh, as if we are bringing the audience something new,” he says.

The story of a boy whose evil grandmother comes to visit during half term, is unique in that the villain is a character usually so revered in literature.

“Yes, but that’s why Roald Dahl was so good. He has such a clear sense of what’s right and wrong in a way that few children’s authors do,” Preston says.

“So yes, having an evil grandmother is bold but fun because Dahl allows George to level the playing field, and refuses to compromise on his morals.

“He does not shy away from taking the moral high ground.”

Still a big ask to play the lead in such a production, especially when this is your first stint in theatre?

I’ve really enjoyed it and 12 shows a week keeps you on your toes,” the 20-year-old laughs.

“So I will miss George when the tour comes to an end.”

Finding fame as Ben Elf in the BAFTA winning Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, aged 11, Preston has since followed this up with parts in This Country of Ours and Doc Martin before landing the role of Eustace in last year’s Agatha Christie film Crooked House.

Preston has even taken a show to Edinburgh Fringe, becoming one of the youngest solo stand-up comedy performers ever, subsequently transferring to the West End.

But now he is relishing appearing on stage every day as George, busy drugging his evil grandmother and learning about life.

Preston was still at school while providing the cartoon voice of Ben, recording four episodes at a time and then returning for afternoon lessons.

But his parents, also in the industry, were determined to keep their son out of the limelight until he was old enough to make up his own mind about his future.

Unsurprisingly, he still opted for the bright lights and hasn’t looked back, deciding to go straight into the industry rather than spending three years at stage school.

“It means I’m learning on the job which is hugely daunting but also motivating because it’s such a wonderful adaption, and gives George the justice he deserves,.

So is Preston enjoying playing George?

“Yes, I didn’t want to reinvent him to the degree that he’s unrecognisable, so it’s about finding a middle ground.

“So while we are very faithful to the book, visually the show is really creative with all sorts of stuff going on,” Preston says. “What is strange is seeing the audience because I’m not used to that.”

George’s Marvellous Medicine

Oxford Playhouse

April 10-14

01865 305305

oxfordplayhouse.com