LES CANNON, 48, from Westcliff, plays Nathan Detroit in Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Guys and Dolls.

When did you start to take an interest in theatre? I joined Focus Theatre Workshop (the Southend drama centre for young people where many performers acquired their first experience of theatre) at the age of 11 for something to do other than sport. There I learnt numerous theatre skills which still hold me in stead today.

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama? None of my family are involved, but my mother is a major support and always comes to see my performances, along with her little chums.

Have you done any sort of formal training for acting, singing or dancing? I have had no formal training, but thanks to fellow performers and directors, both professional and amateur, I have learnt many things, both in “legitimate”and musical theatre.

Do you have any specialist skills, which you work into your repertoire? I have learnt basic swordplay, how to fall properly without injuring myself and basic juggling. You never know when a director may call upon these vital skills.

Which experience or role do you regard as the highlight of your amdram career to date?My greatest opportunity was playing Tevye in last year’s production of Fiddler on the Roof – such a varied and rewarding role.

What has been your most embarrassing moment involving drama, on or off stage? Apart from the odd wardrobe malfunction, there was a scary technical mishap during Mack and Mabel, when I was left on stage alone and the projected film of the Keystone Cops didn’t appear on the large screen after I pointed to it and said “Look!”

How do you earn your living? I am part of the management team of a wellknown clothing outlet in Rayleigh.

Has your theatre career ever been useful in your day job, or have you ever drawn on your day job for any of your stage activities? Portraying a cheery disposition when not really having one at times requires certain skills. I sometimes give advice to the gents at costume call on wardrobe dos and dont’s if required.

Which actor do you most admire and why? I like actors who make everything seem natural and effortless, such as Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, Antony Hopkins and Helen Mirren.

What role would you most like to play and why? Although I have directed My Fair Lady, I wouldn’t mind having a stab at Professor Higgins.

Ever corpsed on stage? Not completely, but it was extremely hard not to do so throughout the entire production of the Producers. It’s just so funny.

Any plans for the future, after Guys and Dolls? We will be presenting La Cage Aux Folles. I haven’t trod the boards in a spangly frock for a while!

Guys and Dolls opens tonight and runs until Saturday at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff.