Playing one of the most intelligent men ever is a tall order for any actor.

Forget Hamlet and King Lear - how about best-selling physicist Stephen Hawking?

That challenge is currently being taken up by actor Stephen Boxer, who is coming to Richmond Theatre in the new play God And Stephen Hawking, co-starring Robert Hardy as God.

"It's all about the debate between science and religion," says Stephen. "It uses Stephen Hawking as an example to study the attitude between the two."

The play takes the form of debate as various characters come on stage and challenge various beliefs about the history of the world.

"That is where Robert Hardy as God comes in. He puts the case for religion and spirituality.

"The play also takes in Stephen's life because his first wife Jane Hawking was a confirmed Christian."

According to Stephen this is one of the most challenging roles he has ever taken on and he has spent as much time reading up on quantum physics as he has rehearsing.

"This has been very difficult but that's how I like it. I knew I had a couple of months before rehearsals started so I went out and bought every idiots book on science and physics I could.

"I'm an actor and I have to admit quantum mechanics is not my field of expertise."

It was not just the science Stephen researched but the man himself.

"Obviously I am not him but I think on stage I'm able to resemble him with the help of make up and glasses.

"I've been watching as much video footage as I can and speaking with other people who suffer with motor neurone disease.

"One of the things I had to find out was how much they can and cannot do in a wheelchair."

Despite all the work Stephen has put into the role, he has not actually met Hawking.

"It's a shame but he hasn't given the play his blessing and I haven't had the chance to meet him.

"From what I have found out about him, he is very different from the public's perception.

"He is great joker, he laces his lectures with jokes and one thing not a lot of people know is that he has a picture of Marilyn Monroe in his office.

"When he was at university he coxed a rowing team and there are pictures of him constantly larking about."

But what about the stories of Stephen Hawking not being the easiest man in the world to live with?

"As an actor I do not want to judge him but remain objective. However I'm sure that having motor Neurone disease would get anyone down, especially someone as intelligent as Stephen.

"He's probably very aware of his mental and physical deterioration and it cannot be easy for him."

Given the nature of the play how much has it changed since the beginning of the run?

"It's changed an awful amount; it's become much more fluid and as my understanding of science grows, I can bring more to the role.

"I was given a lot of freedom to create the role which I really enjoyed doing.

"I see myself as a creator rather than a puppet, but we all have equal shares in the show. Everyone has bought something unique to the production."

But the big question is how much of Stephen Hawking's best-selling book, A Brief History Of Time, has he read?

"All of it - but I would certainly not be as presumptuous as to say I understand it.

"But I am able to understand some of the principles and concepts it deals with."

God And Stephen Hawking starring Stephen Boxer opens at Richmond Theatre on October 2. For more details or to book ring 020 8940 0088.