Interview: Preston eager to have second bite at the 'gift role' of Atticus

A moving adaptation of Harper Lee's still deeply powerful novel, it hit all the right notes. The biggest surprise of the production was Duncan Preston in the pivotal role of Atticus Finch. While the stage story was told, like the book, through the eyes of the children – Scout, Jem and their friend Dill – the role of Atticus was the centrepoint.

Preston, still best remembered for his bit parts in Acorn Antiques and Kevin and Perry Go Large, was a revelation in the part. He describes it as a career highpoint.

"I didn't think I'd ever get a part as good as Atticus and I don't think I'll ever get another part like it," says Preston, which explains why he is in York reprising the role in the Damian Cruden directed production which will play the Theatre Royal before going on a national tour, taking in venues including Bradford Alhambra.

"People still come up to me and say, 'Hello Mr Patterson'," laments Preston, following a morning of rehearsals at York Theatre Royal. He spent just a week filming the Harry Enfield movie Kevin and Perry Go Large, playing Mr Patterson, the teenager's dad. It was a role perfect for the actor, who had spent his career defining comedy characters with fleeting screen time, be it in a Harry Enfield movie or a Victoria Wood vehicle – he is perhaps best remembered for the role of Stan in Wood's Dinnerladies. When the opportunity came for the actor, best known for his comic roles, to play Atticus Finch, he jumped at it.

"It's perfect – he doesn't come on for 20 minutes and then in the second half he has this absolutely wonderful speech. It's definitely not the most physically taxing role I've ever played," he jokes.

Preston becomes much more serious and respectful when discussing the story and confesses that being given another opportunity to play the role of Atticus is a gift.

"There is something special, something so universal about the story and it always seems to be a play with a current theme, the idea of accepting people for who they are, not what they look like, and not having prejudices," he says. "The last time I played the role I didn't feel like I had really cracked it.

"It felt like there was more I could do with the performance, so it really is wonderful to get another chance to play him. To walk around in his shoes for a little while."

Audiences who remember the first time will be equally pleased to see him back.

York Theatre Royal, February 11 to 26, 01904 623568; Bradford Alhambra, March 29 to April 2, 01274 432000.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's novel was published in 1960, becoming an instant success and a recognised classic.

Based possibly on a true story, it is told through the eyes of Scout, a girl whose father, Atticus, is the only lawyer in a town in America's Deep South who will represent a black man accused of raping a white woman.