PETER Polycarpou admits to never having read Frances Hodson-Burnett's The Secret Garden before being offered the challenging role of Dr Neville Craven in the RSC's latest Christmas production but he didn't let that stop him.

Since then he has buried himself in the book time and time again and, like so many other fans of the classic tale, he is now hooked and full of enthusiasm for the role.

The Secret Garden follows hot on the heels of the RSC's hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and promises to be another sellout.

It tells the tale of Mary Lennox, the orphan sent to live with her uncle Dr Neville Craven and disabled cousin Colin, and how her life changes forever following the discovery of the secret garden.

Mr Polycarpou said: "Although this is best known as a children's book, it has a much broader audience. It is very much a family production. I have to admit I didn't know the book at all, although I had seen the screen play.

"When I read the book I thought it was such a marvellous story and a very well-written intelligent book.

"Since then I have got more and more into it listening to the music and the stage adaptation is fantastic."

He said although Dr Craven has a fairly small part in the book, in this new version his character has been developed into a much bigger and more complex role.

"Neville Craven does what he believes is right in the care of the invalid boy, Colin.

"He is a very interesting character.

"I found him quite difficult to play as there are so many different layers to him."

Mr Polycarpou has many credits to his name both on stage and on screen, having appeared in Birds of a Feather, Evita and Holby City to name a few.

The last time he was in Stratford was about 13 years ago when he was starring in Titus and Andronicus.

"It is nice to be back and I am very much enjoying myself, despite the weather and floods!" he added.

Being a musical, The Secret Garden suits him as he comes from a singing and music background before becoming an actor - the lure of the spotlight has always been irresistible.

"I have always been a show off ever since I was young and used to do impersonations at school," he admits. "I have always had a big need to be in the limelight."

He first found his theatrical niche at the tender age of seven with his sister at family weddings; his parents, both from Cyprus would get them both to sing.

Later, he went to drama school but left after a year to become a professional musician.

He still plays the piano and also the harmonica and Irish penny whistle in his spare time but now concentrates more on acting as a career after being invited to star in a children's opera Doobrywangle and Sadko more than 20 years ago.

"Music is very much part of my life and always has been so I will always enjoy it," he adds.

The Secret Garden runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford until January 27 and tickets are going like hot cakes so early booking is advised.

Contact the box office on 01789 403403.