Playing Scrooge is a real treat for Tommy

MEAN and moody, tight-fisted and self-centred... playing Ebenezer Scrooge is a real treat for the genial Tommy Steele.

He's relishing every moment of his role in the musical based on the Charles Dickens book A Christmas Carol.

"I was doing it at the London Palladium," says Tommy, "and my wife was sitting in the audience. She heard someone say to their friend: 'When's Tommy Steele coming on?' All they could see was this crotchety old git!

"It's a great part, and a great show. I love doing it."

Bermondsey boy Tommy, who is 73 next month, has enjoyed a hugely successful career which took him from London's East End to Hollywood for films such as Half A Sixpence and The Happiest Millionaire.

Before film success, he was a pop star with hits ranging from Singing the Blues to Little White Bull.

When most men of his age are well into retirement, Tommy is still treading the boards. He says it was easy for producer Bill Kenwright to persuade him to reprise his role in this lavish musical.

Scrooge has stunning sets and costumes with illusions created by Paul Kieve, the special effects man behind Harry Potter. The fantastic musical score includes the Oscar-nominated hit Thank You Very Much. All of the favourite Dickens characters are there – Bob Cratchit, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, and, of course, Tiny Tim.

"It's a wonderful score, with wonderful songs," says Tommy.

"And there are some magical special effects. You really can't work it out. There are even two illusions where I don't even know how they do it! You see a girl in a mirror, turn around and she's gone. All the kids scream!

"We do take everyone on a journey to a real Dickensian world... but it does cheer up a bit towards the end.

"I love Scrooge... he's naughty. He's a bit like Fagin in Oliver! He's like a naughty boy."

Tommy was last in Plymouth as Scrooge in 2003 and he's delighted to be back again.

"The show has been a fantastic success; it's unbelievable. I did it before and the producers said they would like to take it out again.

"I play it for a week in Plymouth and we're only doing it for 12 weeks. I like to paint and I love the sea air and the light coming off the Hoe. I just do figures, but the light is wonderful and the views are marvellous."

Scrooge is at Theatre Royal Plymouth from December 7-12. Box office: 01752 267222.