A fourth generation farmer is celebrating 50 years of acting with the Harleston Players as he prepares for its latest production.
Roy Goodwin, of N A Goodwin and Son at Syleham Hall, will play Jock Anderson, a salt-of-the-earth sidekick in the group’s upcoming production of Dick Barton: Special Agent.
It will mark half a century since the 70 year-old made his stage debut came in 1974 when he played a villain in Murder out of Tune.
“I was shot at the end of the first act and had to wait out the second act each night until the final bow,” he said.
“But I have always been interested in drama, right back to my school days when I was secretary of the dramatics society there.
“We used to do theatre visits and I remember being about 15 and going to see Joan of Arc at the Cambridge Arts Theatre – that really stuck with me.”
The talented actor and musician has now performed in more than 40 productions for the players, as well as fulfilling numerous backstage roles, from directing and stage management to lights, sound, props and haulage, as well as helping out his wife, Rosemary, with front-of-house duties.
Mr Goodwin said some of his favourite roles with the group had been playing Billy in Billy Liar, Lawrence in Abigail’s Party and Alec in Still Life (the original play of Brief Encounter).
Asked why he enjoyed acting, while balancing life as a farmer, which started with his great-grandfather during the First World War, he said: “Like all good hobbies, when you are doing it, it takes you out of your everyday life for a few hours at a time, gives you a break and helps clear the mind.
“Hopefully, it gives a little entertainment and enjoyment to the audiences that come to see us.”
This time around, Mr Goodwin will be channeling his inner Scotsman, playing the rugged, physical but not terribly sharp loyal assistant to special agent Dick Barton – a comedy spoof of the 1940s BBC radio series.
When Britain’s entire tea supply is threatened to be poisoned, Dick soon finds himself wrapped up in an adventure soaked with intrigue and mystery.
Along with faithful companions Jock and Snowy, he faces off against arch enemies Marta Heartburn and Baron Scarheart, battles with killer ants, all the while finding time to sing a few songs along the way.
“We have done a lot of interesting productions, from serious ones to comedic ones,” said Mr Goodwin. “The one we are doing at the moment is a very light comedy and will be very enjoyable.
“I don’t really have a preference, but I do feel we do not get enough serious drama in professional theatres, as musicals and things like that are more appealing to audiences, which is a shame as I feel drama is equally important to the industry.”
Performances of Dick Barton: Special Agent will take place at Harleston Sancroft Academy on April 20, 26 and 27, at The Cut in Halesworth on April 23, Wingfield Barns on April 23 and Fisher Theatre in Bungay on April 25.
For more information and to purchase tickets, which cost £12, go to the Harleston Players website.
