John Boyega is going from space battles in Star Wars to earthbound struggles onstage at London’s Old Vic Theatre.

The 24-year-old actor, who played Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will star in Woyzeck, the story of a soldier who commits an act of brutal violence.

It will be John’s first starring role in the West End, although he has had previous theatre roles.

The new version of Georg Buchner’s 19th century drama – which was written by Jack Thorne, the playwright behind Harry Potter And The Cursed Child – opens in February 2017.

It was announced on Wednesday as part of the Old Vic’s 2016-2017 season.

The line-up also includes a production of Shakespeare’s King Lear starring Glenda Jackson and a 20th anniversary revival of Yasmina Reza’s global hit, Art.