AN actor from Inverclyde smashed it on stage playing tennis legend John McEnroe in a show to mark the start of Wimbledon.

Kieran Francis Begley played the leading role of the American Grand Slam winner in 'Rematch Live' in London.

The 32-year-old actor from Wemyss Bay took part in the show at the new Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in what was a rare event organised by the All England Club away from SW19.

It recreated the classic 1980 men's championship final between McEnroe and Swede Bjorn Borg, combining exhibitions, music, film, live performances, fashion and food and drink.

The show ran from Friday to Sunday and the local actor said he had an ace time.

Kieran told the Tele: "It was a very unique experience.

"I'm blessed to have been part of it.

"I invested a lot over the past few months to prepare for this role. "I worked with Inverclyde's tennis development coach, Stephanie Swan, as well as changing my diet and training regime to develop the physique of a champion tennis player in the hope of replicating the vigorous movements and behaviours McEnroe has on court."

The role was a match made in heaven as it combined two of Kieran's passions - sport and acting.

It was thanks to former Beacon Arts Centre boss Julie Ellen that he landed the part as the three-time Wimbledon champ famed for his 'you cannot be serious' catchphrase towards court umpires.

Kieran, who also worked at the Greenock theatre, said: "Taking on the role came about by chance. "It was a very specific casting brought to my attention by Julie, who is now artistic director at the Macroberts Centre in Stirling. "The company producing the show, Sporting Time Machine, were looking for a theatre performer and tennis player who also had to be left-handed.

"Having previously studied a BA in sports development and then later gained a Masters in musical theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, my experience in coaching and competing in tennis made this project feel like a great opportunity for pulling two of my life passions together. "The creators of this show have proved that the forms of theatre and sport can be crossed over and performed on the same platform successfully."