THESPIAN Benjamin James has a double identity.

The Honley man, who is treading the boards throughout the UK, is better known to family, friends and theatrical groups in Huddersfield as Ben Turner.

But to get his Equity card he had to choose a different name as there was already an actor of his own name registered.

The 23-year-old has returned to his home county after a stint in London as part of the cast in a UK tour of Annie.

He’s also understudy to a number of other roles – which means he had to learn 10 songs from the hit musical.

Ben has been on stage at the Bradford Alhambra all week, finishing tonight.

Parents Jillian and Simon and sisters Emma and Molly were in the audience.

Ben will then move on to Dublin as the four-month tour continues.

He said: “I’m known as Ben Turner to all my family and friends but anyone who has met me since 2009 knows me as Benjamin James. If they hear me say my actual name they ask who it is.”

Ben, a former Longwood Amateurs, LBT and Thongsbridge theatre school pupil, left Huddersfield for Arts Educational, a Chiswick theatre school.

After three years of hard graft he was signed by an agent and began performing at London’s fringe theatres.

“My dream is to appear in a West End musical, but there’s so much competition,” Ben said. “I’m taking different roles, learning as much as I can and getting all the experience I can.”

Ben is a jobbing actor. While the tour with Annie has secured him work until New Year’s Eve, he’s back auditioning for roles come January 1.

“I’ve taken other jobs while I go for other roles,’’ he said. “I work as a property manager and it’s really flexible too so I can still go to auditions. A lot of actors do the same.”

Stints on stage have included an all-male version of Pirates of Penzance at the Union Theatre in Southwark, in Peter Pan with former Eastenders actress Louisa Lytton and with the ensemble at the Royal Court and at the Arts Theatre in a Glee-style show.

“I’m also in the West End Gospel Choir and performed at a big festival in Trafalgar Square,’’ he added. “It was amazing because there were thousands of people there.”

Another highlight was a role in the Little Shop of Horrors at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington.

Ben said: “It’s where Victoria Wood and Kevin Spacey have performed. There are photos of all the stars on the wall so it’s amazing to appear there.”

His role in Annie came about quickly. He auditioned and was in rehearsals a week later with actress Su Pollard.

“It’s a four-month tour and we go to Dublin, Edinburgh and Manchester,’’ he said. “We finish in Cambridge on New Year’s Eve so that’ll be a massive party.

“It’s a challenge but it keeps me busy.”

He’s also learning the role of assistant stage manager, adding: “I always had respect for the backstage crew but seeing them running around organising everything has confirmed that.

“We go out and sweat it out on stage and perform, but they make everything perfect for us. I really respect how much they do and how hard they work.”

The knocks have come – he’s yet to realise his dream to appear on a West End stage – but Ben is undeterred.

“Living in London is expensive,’’ he said. “I have to pay the bills so have taken on another job. You do get knock backs but I look to the next audition.

“I keep my repertoire fresh, take advice and learn as much as I can.”

Ben has been through the stage school process and says he’d encourage others to follow their dream.

“Just keep trying and don’t give up,’’ he advised.

“I love what I do and get such a buzz appearing live on stage and can’t imagine not doing it.”