Mr Mean role has been kind to star
"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."
Tommy has been married to Ann for nearly 50 years and they have a grown-up daughter, Emma. He keeps himself fit, and this year has also been busy year promoting his greatest hits album.
"I can't believe it," he says. "My whole career on two discs. Every song, all the shows, the films. That's 53 years on two discs. Amazing.
"I can remember exactly what I was doing on some of the days and on some of the shows. Then you have photos and DVDs to remind you.
"It's nice to reminisce. I have a great family and a great mum and dad. I had a great childhood – despite the Blitz – and a great five years in the Navy.
"When your parents have gone, they leave something of themselves behind.
"I'm not one for going to graveyards, my mum and dad are still with me every day."
Scrooge is at Theatre Royal Plymouth from December 7-12. Box office: 01752 267222.
Tommy Steele reprises his role as Scrooge at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
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