WORCESTER'S Game of Thrones star Kit Harington has been praised for the way he has handled his "huge break" by his tormentor-in-chief from the series.

Having caught the acting bug at Chantry School in Martley and further developing his skills at Worcester Sixth Form College, the 27-year-old now plays Jon Snow in the hugely popular medieval HBO fantasy drama.

He is often seen locking horns with Owen Teale's Ser Alliser Thorne, and his tormentor-in-chief has tipped Kit for the top despite reserving some harsh treatment for the Worcestershire lad in the programme.

Owen spoke to your Worcester News ahead of starring in Under Milk Wood at Malvern Theatres next month, saying he feels Kit has grown in stature and maturity since being signed up for the hit show for a number of years in an increasingly commanding role.

"I will intensively spend a few weeks filming at a time - he has been living it and breathing it day in and day out. However much you love it, it becomes your job.

"From what I see, he wears it very well. He has taken the opportunity to learn about himself, how he applies himself and how he works."

He added: "I love talking to him and sharing time with him."

In the series, based on the books by George RR Martin, Jon Snow joins the Night's Watch, a grim and dwindling brotherhood of monk-like soldiers dressed in black who guard a giant ice wall from the terrors which lie beyond.

Ser Alliser Thorne is responsible for training new recruits but Owen says the "youth and opportunity he sees in young people is too much" for his character.

Owen hints that there will be a "development" in the pair's relationship in the show but could not reveal details of the plot in series four.

He says it is important what Kit does next because he will attract more and more attention from American agents and people will be telling him he is a star.

Though, Kit, who moved to Worcestershire at the age of 11, has already gained major roles in upcoming films Pompeii, Seventh Son, Spooks: The Greater Good and Testament of Youth, an adaptation of a World War One autobiography.

Under Milk Wood comes to Malvern Theatres from Monday to Saturday, May 12-17.

For more information and tickets, go to malvern-theatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01684 892277.