Last updated 05:16, Friday, 28 November 2008

He has performed in productions as diverse as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Stags & Hens and Brassed Off.

By Rosalind Gibb

Now Graeme Russell will make his directorial debut with Penrith Players’ new production, running from December 2 to 5.

Popular farce Run For Your Wife tells the story of London cabbie John – played by Bill Turner – who is leading a double life, with a wife in Streatham and one in Wimbledon.

“I saw it years ago, at the old Blue Box in Keswick,” Graeme explains. “I enjoyed it so much and it stayed with me, so I decided to choose it when I was asked to direct this year. I like the way you can hear the audience enjoy a comedy, rather than sitting listening intently to a murder mystery, for example. I hope they go away feeling they’ve been entertained and had a good laugh.”

Graeme, from Rosley, has been a member of Penrith Players for 15 years. He has performed in many different roles and was chairman for three years. “I thought being director might be too big a thing to take on,” he says. “You have the last say in everything, which sounds a bit onerous.

“But I decided to bite the bullet. It’s a challenge but I am enjoying it. It is a mark of the play that it has attracted such able and experienced actors.”

Run For Your Wife is at Penrith Playhouse from December 2 to 5, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Penrith TIC on 01768 867466.