PATERSON Joseph, best know for his TV role as Mark Grace in Casualty, is giving his acting career some different treatment.

His role in Ibsen's A Doll's House will bring him to the Everyman Theatre next week - cause for excitement, he says.

London born, the 36-year-old LAMDA trained thespian has never visited Cheltenham before and is as much thrilled about that as he is to be playing Torvald Helmer in the classic play.

Set on Christmas Eve, the story is seen through the eyes of Nora Helmer - Torvald's wife.

Despite an idyllic festive scene, wrapping presents and playing with her children, the young mother hides secrets that threaten to destroy her happiness.

"Nora's husband is very much a product of his time," explains Paterson.

"He's ambitious and wants to become the manager of his bank. At home he leads a rigid lifestyle at a time when a wife is regarded as a husband's property, however he's extremely warm hearted. I am enjoying the part immensely."

But then Paterson just loves treading the boards.

"Theatre is so immediate with the audience reacting to every moment," he raves. "You can feel them breathing."

His credits include Horatio in Hamlet for the Almeida Theatre Company, Worthy in The Recruiting Officer for the Royal National Theatre, Hotspur in Henry IV Parts I and II, and Oswald in King Lear for the RSC.

He also has an impressive list of TV and film appearances including a major part in the recent pilot TV series Safe As Houses In which he was a ruthless insurance boss. Yet he has no preference when it comes to the different mediums he in which he works, or the various roles he plays.

Like many actors he just hopes for longevity. He said: "I enjoy acting full stop - you're mad to take it up and brave to continue.

"I just hope that I keep on working into my 70s or 80s and I am not just a flash in the pan."

A Doll's House, runs from next Tuesday to September 30. Tickets prices range from £5 to £15 with concessions available. Call the box office on 01242 572573.