Huw Higginson: New role for old Bill at Crewe Lyceum

Mar 18 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

FORMER The Bill actor Huw Higginson should have had enough dealings with prostitutes during his 10 years as PC George Garfield.

But now, on his first visit to Crewe, he finds himself caught up with them again in the Ian Dickens production of Rattle Of A Simple Man at the Lyceum Theatre this week.

Only this time Higginson is on the receiving end as a shy football fan egged on by his friends after a match to spend the evening with one, a role he says he is thoroughly enjoying.

“This chap Percy has never been with a woman at all, let alone had a girlfriend,” says Higginson.

“The evening unravels at her flat. But the underlying story is both of these characters are lonely and live their lives through fantasies to get through them, and they form a relationship.

“It’s a poignant comedy, and there are some very funny moments. These characters come from completely different backgrounds but they have a lot in common.”

The lady in question, Cyrenne, is played by Claire McGlinn, who played Charlie Ramsden in Coronation Street, and Higginson believes they have been able to build up a good chemistry.

“My relationship with Claire has been really good, she’s a cracking girl. Unfortunately our rehearsal time was cut short because I was shooting an episode of Heartbeat but it’s come on in leaps and bounds.”

Higginson, 45, was PC Garfield for a decade and filmed 600 episodes before he finally hung up his truncheon in 1999.

He says: “I had a fantastic time doing it, really happy times. There are lots of highlights from The Bill, and the ending was fun to do. I had just signed a three-year contract and decided I’d had enough.

“I was going to be the first Bill wedding so they kindly gave me a six-month string of episodes to write the character out.

“People who stay forever in shows, best of luck to them, but I had a rounded training as an actor and wanted to do lots of different things. It’s just that playing a variety of different parts is more fulfilling.”

Higginson, who has a wife and two children, took a break from showbusiness in England by venturing off to Australia to star in a new work, Lone Star, which played at the Sydney Opera House as part of its tour.

He said: “When I decided to leave The Bill I wanted to do my own work. We had done a play with some of the actors and I knew the show was popular in Australia, so I got in touch with a friend out there and we put together a package.

“Acting does make family life difficult but that’s the business. There are plenty of people who travel in other professions, but it’s a life you get used to in a way.”

And he has not ruled out a return to Sun Hill at some point in the future.

“You always hope there are options to come back. The show moves on and you move on. I never say never, but I’m happy doing what I’m doing now.”

Rattle Of A Simple Man runs until Saturday at the Lyceum. Shows start at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee today (Wednesday) and Saturday. Tickets are £8.50-£16.50, phone the box office on 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.