A STAR of the new War Horse film says a failed audition helped him on the road to success.

Horley-born Robert Emms, 25, was playing the lead role in the West End production of War Horse when director Steven Spielberg went to see it ahead of casting his film version – but Robert would have missed out if he'd got the role the first time he auditioned.

The former Oakwood School pupil, who plays antagonist David Lyons in the Oscar-tipped film, had failed to get a part in the show's run at the National Theatre, before being given a place in the West End run in 2009.

He told the Mirror: "It was fate. I wouldn't have the career I am having if I had got it the first time.

"When I auditioned for the National Theatre production, I got down to the last two to play Albert (the lead role) and I didn't get it. I was really disappointed.

"Then, a year later, I got a part in the West End production. Steven Spielberg came to see it and he decided to come and talk to me after the play. Apparently he enjoyed my performance."

War Horse tells of Albert Narracott and his beloved horse Joey, who is sold into service during the First World War and ends up serving on both sides, while Albert enlists to try and get him back.

Despite having played the lead in the New London Theatre production, Robert, who was born Robert MacPherson, says he was not disappointed to get a different part in the film adaptation.

"It was really refreshing," he said. "I had done Albert on stage for a year by the time Steven saw it. I was getting bored with it.

"It was good to do something that's different because David's one of the antagonist characters." Though his experience shooting War Horse was very different to the play, Robert had fun with the cast which features a wealth of British talent including Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch and Thor star Tom Hiddlestone.

He told the Mirror: "It is the same idea as the play, but in some ways it is so different. On stage you have to imagine the stuff.

"In film you don't have to imagine anything because there will be an explosion and a man will die in front of you. It was amazing to be part of."

After Oakwood, Robert attended Croydon's Brit School and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) to further his acting career.

Next up for him is Mirror Mirror, a retelling of the Snow White story, starring Julia Roberts, and also BBC drama Broken where he plays a young man having a breakdown.