Actress Nikki Patel has landed the lead role in a new play at the famous Old Vic Theatre.

'Future Conditional' is written by acclaimed playwright Tamsin Oglesby and directed by Matthew Warchus.

Nikki plays Alia, a young Pakistani refugee who is the newest member of Britain’s Education Research Board with a radical solution for Britain’s schools, to restore the nation’s place in the world education league. The character faces the challenge of convincing the system to take lessons from a schoolgirl.

Having started her career 10 years ago in Coronation Street, Nikki will make the transition from screen to stage later this year.

She leads a new and significant phase for the Old Vic as it moves on from Artistic Director Kevin Spacey, to award winning director Matthew Warchus.

She said, “I am honoured to be cast in a production directed by Matthew Warchus"

“I hope that through this production we will raise the awareness of equality of education for women around the world.”

The comedy drama, Future Conditional, will also star actor and comedian Rob Brydon and will run from Tuesday 1 September to Saturday 3 October 2015.

Nikki is also due to star in new drama The Five, airing on Sky Living in late 2015.