Former Coronation Street actor Eric Potts will play Touchstone and Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis will be Jacques in the Stafford Festival Shakespeare production of As You Like It.
Potts will be part of the Stafford Castle production for the fifth time. He played Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night in 2009 and was also in The Merry Wives of Windsor in 2010, The Comedy of Errors in 2011 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2013.
He said, “I really am looking forward to coming back! I enjoy being in Stafford very much and I’ve never played this character before.”
Producer Derrick Gask is thrilled to see Eric return. “He’s become a true favourite of Stafford audiences and is a truly gifted comic actor. I have no doubt that Eric will deliver another unforgettable performance.”
John Challis is best known for his portrayal of Boycie in Only Fools and Horses.
He said, “I’m delighted to have been offered the part of Jacques. I played Malvolio in Twelfth Night two years ago at Ludlow castle and he and Jacques are both melancholic characters, so I'm becoming typecast again!
“How lucky I am to be playing at Stafford Castle. It’s a backdrop to die for.”
Derrick Gask added, “We’re hugely excited about working with John. He’s an incredibly accomplished television and stage actor.
“I know he will be ideal for the role with his perfect comic timing and unrivalled deadpan delivery. It’s shaping up to be a very special year.”
The rest of the cast comprises Esther Biddle, Shirley Darroch, Jennifer Greenwood, James Haggie, Graham Kent, Daniel Lloyd, Joshua Manning, Alex Parry, Tom Radford, Georgina White and Johnson Willis.
Peter Rowe, artistic director of the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, directs his sixth production for Stafford Festival Shakespeare.
As You Like It runs at Stafford Castle from Sunday 29 June until Saturday 12 July.