Former Soldier Soldier favourite Ben Nealon revealed all about his new career bringing Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries to life on stage ahead of Go Back For Murder, coming to Milton Keynes this week.
The 46-year-old conceded that his latest role was something of a stretch as he has become accustomed to playing the bad guy.
He told the LBO: “I’ve agreed to do five or six of these plays where I’ve not known who the killer was until I’ve read the script and it turns out to be me.
“My new character seems to be a very nice guy, I wonder why they’ve cast me!”
Ben plays Justin Fogg, a young lawyer assigned to clear the name of a woman convicted of poisoning her husband 16 years ago.
Based on Christie’s 1942 book Five Little Pigs, Justin was added to the stage adaptation in place of legendary detective Hercule Poirot.
“People think that Agatha Christie was just a prolific writer, but there is some very good stuff in there,” he said.
“She will undermine the drama of a story by throwing in a few ‘laugh lines’ before bringing the audience right back into the drama.
“She’s clever like that. There’s a lot of humour in her work, and I don’t think people realise that.”
Ben – who was awarded an OBE last year for work with his charity Pump Aid – is enjoying treading the boards.
He added: “I’ve kind of done everything the wrong way round.
“All your training is for the stage but I was very lucky to get the part in Soldier Soldier early on.
“Theatre is a great opportunity to polish your craft – different parts of the country have different audiences.
“I’m looking forward to coming to Milton Keynes, they’re a very knowledgeable theatre crowd.”
Catch Ben in Go Back For Murder at Milton Keynes Theatre which runs until this Saturday (July 13).
For further information visit www.atgtickets.com.
*The Sofia National Ballet is performing tonight and tomorrow at Aylesbury Waterside and MKT on July 29-31.
There are three breathtaking ballets - Don Quixote, Giselle and Swan Lake each accompanied by The Orchestra of the Sofia National Ballet.
The production features a company of 90 performers including an acclaimed corps de ballet and a full orchestra.
Don Quixote is an enchanting story of an eccentric, yet noble old gentleman Don Quixote.
His dreams of a fantasy world full of brave knights and beautiful ladies take us on a chivalrous adventure with his trusty servant.
Love, duels and spectacular choreography combine with a dash of Spanish passion in one of the most beautiful and moving of all ballets.
Swan Lake, the most romantic ballet of all time tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.
The most poignant of all classical ballets is Giselle. This powerful piece combines emotions and visual splendour in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.
Don’t miss out on these ballet masterpieces.
To book call the Waterside 0844 871 7607 (www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury)or Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 (www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes)