Tyson Oba said he was star struck at first as he began rehearsals with the urban music icon, Goldie.

The Thamesmead actor, 25, is currently performing in BAFTA-winning Roy Williams’ new play – the gritty whodunit Kingston 14 at Stratford’s Theatre Royal.

It’s a tale of corruption and crime as a British police officer travels to Jamaica to help investigate the murder of a UK tourist in the island’s capital. Goldie plays gangster Joker, one of the murder suspects, and Oba is one of his henchmen.

News Shopper was keen to find out more about the south-east London performer – and what it’s like to appear alongside one of the music industry’s stars as he makes his stage debut to sizable acclaim.

“He’s a legend. He’s a big tough guy in the play and he’s seen that way in the media – but he’s actually a really intelligent guy and there’s much more to him,” Oba said.

“It was surprising – he does a lot of yoga. He says it’s his new drug and he’s good at it, twisting himself into all sorts of positions.

“We learn something new about him every day.”

Oba, who’s appeared in a number of short and feature-length films as well as TV series Holby City, said the play’s going well and is enjoying his time in the hard-hitting drama.

“It’s going well – I’m having a good time doing it. I think it’s been pretty well received.”

Kingston 14, directed by Clint Dyer, is running at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, until April 28. Visit www.stratfordeast.com/kingston-14