PLAYING an older man is a challenge that actor Richard Wilbourne is taking in his stride.

The 26-year-old is playing Frank Doel in the Western Players’ version of 84 Charing Cross Road, and is relishing every minute of it.

“A few years ago I probably would have thought it was a big challenge,” he said.

“But now I’m really comfortable with it.”

The play is the story of bookseller Frank and American writer Helene Hanff, who form a friendship through the letters they send to eachother.

“The way I interpret it is that they aren’t in love with each other but love what the other person can offer them,” said Richard, of Old Town.

“Helene represents everything that isn’t the norm in Britain at that time to Frank, while he is a middle-class gent that she can rely on for anything.”

“It’s not an all-action drama, but if you know the book you know that.

I think we give the audience something they don’t expect too.”

84 Charing Cross Road, Arts Centre, March 10 - 13, 7.30pm, Tickets £6 and £5. Call 07575 711522 or email BoxOffice@westernplayers.co.uk

- STEPHANIE TYE