Most youngsters hate to be in the middle of two squabbling adults.

Jared Aggarwal, however, willingly puts himself in the line of fire three times a week.

He is playing the part of the Little Prince - the subject of Oberon and Titania's fighting - in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

At just 10 years old Jared, from Thorpe Bay, has found himself at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in the New Shakespeare Theatre Company production.

He is the only child in a cast of distinguished adult actors. But this was not the result of a structured career plan - he almost fell into the part.

His sister, eight-year-old Shani, is the serious performer in the family. She has done dancing, drama and modelling under the wing of Southend theatrical agent, Sandie Singer.

Jared saw what fun Shani was having and thought he'd have a go himself.

"It's been a knock-on effect through the family," laughs his mum Vanessa. "It's nothing to do with pushy parents forcing him to do it, but of course we'll encourage him as long as it doesn't affect his school work. We're very proud of him."

Although the schedule for this three-hour production is hectic, it has conveniently fitted around school times.

The first performances in June were in the evenings and now it is the summer holidays it runs during the day."He's absolutely loving it," says Vanessa. "He takes it all in his stride and is coping very well."

His fellow pupils at Bournes Green Junior School think it's great too.

"All his friends are very proud of him - so he says!" adds Vanessa, whose only disappointment is that she hasn't actually seen Jared perform yet.

"I'm his chaperone so I'm required backstage to help with costumes, but his whole family will be in the audience for his final performance," she said.

Sandie Singer, who has Jared on her agency's books says: "He was up against hundreds of others as it's a very prestigious theatre.

"This has given him a taster now and after this he'll want to move on."

Jared also has a six-year-old brother, Deraj who is watching his siblings theatre-work with interest. "He's too young to be into anything at the moment," says Vanessa.

However, it's not impossible that in the future there could be three budding Aggarwal actors with their sights set on fame.

A Midsummer Night's Dream runs simultaneously with Pirates of Penzance and Much Ado About Nothing until September 9, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Call 020 7486 2431 for ticket information.

Shakespearean star - ten-year-old Jared

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