Robert McBain is starring in The Caucasian Chalk Circle, the Christmas production Have You Anything To Declare? and also in the first production of next season, Three Sisters, all at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond.

What's been your best ever part?

Gary Essendine in Present Laughter by Noel Coward.

Who is your most admired actor or actress?

Alec Guinness

What's been your favourite or most memorable job while resting?

Writing.

What's been your most embarrassing moment?

Once during an Agatha Christie play, I walked on stage expecting a drinks table in front of me, only to find that stage management had forgotten to set it.

I knew I was about to be offered a drink, so I quickly replied, "No!" very loudly, but the chap playing Poirot, not having noticed the missing table, said, "Yes". So I was forced to say, "I'll go and find some, shall I?".

I rooted about in the wings until I eventually found the tray and drinks. But there was a very long and silent pause while I did."

November 6, 2001 11:00