JUNGLE Book star Jonathan Penton will soon be seen on the small screen preparing for one of the most nerve-wracking moments of his career.

The actor and singer beat competition from more than 1,000 entrants to reach the semi-finals of the BBC Voice of Musical theatre 2000 competition, filmed by the BBC and due a New Year screening.

The performer, who appears in the Christmas production at Basingstoke's Haymarket Theatre, was extremely happy with the results - not surprising really, as only 12 reached the semi-finals and many of the entrants were much more experienced than Jonathan.

He said: "It was judged by influential people in the West End - musical directors, producers and people like that - and the standard was extremely high.

"A lot of people were disappointed not to win but I was happy to reach the semi-finals, particularly as I came to musical theatre quite late and didn't have as much professional experience as many of the others."

He also valued the experience and hopes the new competition will become as prestigious as the Cardiff Singer of the World - the classical contest of which it was designed to become a musical theatre parallel.

Jonathan was a cabin service manager on aeroplanes for 16 years before deciding to take up his first love - the theatre - professionally.

He landed a place at the Royal Academy of Music and, since leaving, has appeared in Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall and Ape Man in Jubilee at Her Majesty's Theatre.

He can be seen in Jungle Book, as chief wolf Akala and a monkey, until January 6.

For tickets and details, contact the box office on 01256 465566.