Crescent challenge for Craig

THE city's Crescent Theatre launched its new season - and its first production saw a local man take not only the lead role but the assistant lead as well. Handsworth's Craig Deeley took centre stage in 'Dick Barton: Special Agent', his seventh play since joining the company in 2001.

And he had his work cut out as he also played the assistant lead role of Dick's sidekick, Snowey, something that had him testing all his acting abilities. “It is a challenge playing two people in the same play,” he said. “It means I have to put on two different voices and undergo a pretty huge number of speedy costume changes.”

The production is based on the popular radio show from the 1940s and 50s, telling the story of Dick Barton, a fumbling, mishap, joke of a secret agent who manages to get himself into all sorts of trouble in what Craig describes as 'Dick Tracy meets the Carry On films.'

Mixing a blend of comedy and musical skills, Dick Barton is a light-hearted mickey-take of the old radio show. Craig, a language tutor at University College, joined the Crescent unexpectedly seven years ago when a friend mentioned the idea to him.

Not so keen at first, Craig went along to see his friend perform on stage and was 'bowled over' by the whole ambience of the production. Later joining himself, he has been an active member of the company ever since, even starting up his own 'half-moon comedy club.'

“I love stand-up,” he said. “I started the club as a way to introduce more people to the comedy side of many productions we put on. I also do my own stand-up comedy - in fact - I have only ever had two serious roles with the Crescent.”

A man of many traits, Craig has no preference stating that he likes comedy and acting 'equally'. He explained: “With stand-up you have to write your own script and you live or die on that script, it's entirely up to you. With acting though, it is someone else's script so not everything is up to you.

“I would like to go into the writing side of things one day, away from stand-up and just focusing on plays and productions.” This is something Craig believes the Crescent deserves to be applauded for as it offers people with no experience the chance to undertake one of many roles in the company.

“The Crescent is great because it is an amateur company with professional facilities. It gives people the chance to have a go at anything from acting, joining a choir to being bar staff or stewarding. It is great to have something like this in Birmingham for people to be a part of.”

The Crescent operates a membership fee subscription. For information, or to book tickets to see Dick Barton, still showing this weekend until September 20, visit www.crescenttheatre.co.uk or phone 0121 643 5858.