A former Sidmouth Youth Theatre performer says it feels ‘incredible’ to win a Tony Award for his debut Broadway performance.

Alex Sharp, 26, became the youngest ever winner of the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play on Sunday.

His winning role was as Christopher in the play-adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and he dedicated his award to young people who stand out or who feel misunderstood.

Alex studied at Sidmouth College in years seven and eight, before going on to attend the world-acclaimed Juilliard School of Performing Arts.

Just months after graduating, he found himself up against A-list names, including Bradley Cooper and Bill Nighy.

He told the Herald: “It feels so incredible and very surreal.”

“Best male actor – that’s crazy. The ones who have come before me include Al Pacino, Mark Rylance, Denzel Washington.

“It is such an honour.”

He thanked his best friend, Alex Macan and his dad, as well as Rachael Vowels from Northcott Young Company – who he says is a ‘hero’.

The Curious Incident cleaned up at the New York-based award ceremony, winning Best Play and Best Lighting Design of a Play.

The Best Direction of a Play award also went to director Marianne Elliott.

Angela Davies cast Alex as Oliver in a Sidmouth Youth Theatre production of the musical.

She said: “It was amazing, I am so chuffed for him and it’s such a strong field as well, where I am sure he thought he had no chance.

“It’s an amazing achievement for someone so young.

“We played a tiny part of that when we cast him. As the youth theatre celebrates its 30th anniversary, it just shows it’s all worth it.

“His acceptance speech was so telling and something I am going to use as inspiration for my students.”