Peter Brown, 36, lives in Southend. He is a member of Leigh Operatic Society and is starring in A Christmas Carol at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, from today until Saturday.

When did you start to take an interest in theatre and did you take part in any productions at school?

I have been interested in theatre from a very young age, thanks to my inspirational grandfather, Albert Owens, Welsh gentle giant who was always playing and singing music. My first role was as the Pied Piper of Hamlyn in my junior school production of Rats.

Any or were any members of your family involved in drama?

My wife, Louise, is also a member of Lods.

Have you done any sort of formal training for acting, singing or dancing?

No, I have never had any formal training.

Which role is the highlight of your amdram career to date?

I have been very fortunate to have played some incredible parts, but Jekyll and Hyde is the most demanding and, therefore, as with anything worth working hard for, the most rewarding.

Playing the Scarecrow, opposite my now wife, was pretty special too.

Your most embarrassing moment on stage?

In a cabaret for Young Expressions, in Ingatestone, I was involved in a group number, You Can Leave Your Hat On. During the straddling and leaning back on a chair while shirtless, the chair tipped and I ended up flat on my back. The audience roared.

How do you earn your living?

I am a senior winter maintenance coordinator for Ground Control.

Which actors do you most admire and why?

Morgan Freeman, Leonardo Dicaprio and Matt Smith, who is an incredible young actor and had probably one of the toughest gigs after taking over from David Tennant. He’s been my favourite Doctor Who since Tom Baker.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I have played the role once before, but I would love play Fagin again when I’m older.

If I could play any role it would be Doctor Who. I would love to do that, all the running and great lines and serious drama while wearing a cool suit.

Perfect.

Ever corpsed on stage?

See above – falling off the chair semi naked!

Any plans for the future, after A Christmas Carol?

Louise and I have just bought a house in Southend and are looking forward to moving in.

Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to others hoping to get involved in acting?

Repetition, repetition, repetition. Oh, and visualising where you are on