He’s the all-singing, Jewish Adrian Mole

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD ILAN GALKOFF has been selected to play the lead in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, the musical based on the bestselling books by Sue Townsend.

Ilan, a former pupil at Hertsmere Jewish Primary, will share the role with two other young actors when the show opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London next month.

He said: “It feels amazing. It is quite a lot of work and responsibility but it will be worth it in the end when it all comes together.”

Ilan was aged exactly 13¾ on the day of the first audition, perhaps a sign that he was destined to play the part.

The show is based on the first two books in the Adrian Mole series, chronicling the gloomy diarist’s battles with puberty, a dysfunctional family and anunreliable girlfriend, Pandora.

Ilan, who celebrated his barmitzvah at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue last year, may be the same age as Adrian but there the similarities end.

“We’re very different,” he said. “Adrian is much more serious than me and he is a very deep thinker. However after studying the character, I can relate to Adrian and put myself into character.”

Ilan, who attends the Sylvia Young Ilan Galkoff was aged exactly 13¾ on the day of his first audition for the role

Theatre School, already has an impressive CV, having appeared in the West End production of Les Miserables, in Oliver!, and at the Royal Opera House.

Parents Suzanne and Simon have ensured there is no danger of Ilan developing a showbiz ego.

“Life is really normal at home, so keeping everything grounded isn’t that difficult,” said Mrs Galkoff.

“It is lovely leaving the theatre and meeting people at the stage door and Ilan knows that it is special for them to grab an autograph or a photo.

“You do feel quite grounded though when you get back on the Northern Line to go home with everyone else.”

‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾’ opens for previews on July 14