Graham Seed has been on the big and small screen as well as being a familiar voice to millions. But the self-deprecating former star of The Archers, who is currently appearing at Dartford's Orchard Theatre in Flare Path, just sees himself as another 'jobbing actor'.

I do get recognised here and there...

Although I’m always amazed that anyone does really. I did a little TV in my 30s and 40s, such as Brideshead, but I’m now in my 60s, so it is surprising.

I do enjoy a Terence Rattigan play...

They are very well constructed; he never writes bad characters. Everyone enjoys Flare Path and it’s got plenty of laughs. There’s romance and adventure and it’s set in the Second World War. It’s a question of will our boys come back? One of his best plays is The Deep Blue Sea and this has early elements of that. It’s rather delightful and I like the play enormously.

My character in Flare Path is quite funny and rather charming...

He’s a frightfully good chap and full of that stiff upper lip phlegm.

I do catch The Archers occasionally...

One of its charms is that nothing really happens. I think it is best when nothing is happening. That is why it suppose when people become fond of certain characters who come into their houses every day. My voice is well known in people’s front rooms and kitchens. I reckon people listen to it when they’re doing the ironing. What else do you do when you’re ironing?

I love radio...

You don’t need to get dressed up! I do What the Papers Say on Radio 4. I’ve been very lucky really. I have never won prizes but I was named Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

I’m in my 60s but I have still got energy...

For years you’re the youngest in the company and now I’m suddenly the oldest – I’m about 20 years older than everyone else! It’s quite nice to put on a RAF uniform. I look pretty chipper. I’m still a jobbing actor though and you always worry about your next job. I do have a new play to do immediately after I finish this run though.

THE SHOW

Graham Seed played Nigel Pargetter in The Archers for 27 years. He was the only toff in the village, until producers of he Radio 4 soap chose controversially to kill off the character in their 60th anniversary episode.

Graham’s TV and film career includes the likes of Brideshead Revisited in the 1980s and he is a regular on Radio 4’s What the Papers Say on Sundays.

This spring he is appearing as Squadron Leader Swanson in Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path, alongside Charlie G Hawkins, who played Darren Miller in EastEnders and Kent actor Lynden Edwards. The wartime drama is directed by Justin Audibert.

Based on Rattigan’s own experiences as a tail gunner, the play is rooted in the life-and-death existence of the RAF bomber crews.

THE DETAILS

Flare Path will be at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, from Tuesday, April 5, to Saturday, April 9. Tickets from £10, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or 01322 220000.