STEVEN ARNOLD, known for playing Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street, appears as six characters including Charlie Chaplin’s brother Sydney in a new musical.

The production, called Chaplin: The Charlie Chaplin Story, charts the seminal silent comedian’s progress from an impoverished childhood in London to Hollywood success, including Chaplin’s relationship with his family and reaction to newfound fame.

The set varies drastically in appearance, reflecting both the dark streets of Victorian England and the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. Emotionally, there is a wide scope too, as the turmoil of the Chaplin family’s poor circumstance gives way to the jubilation of Charlie’s later acclaim. Nicole Faraday, seen in television and film productions such as Bad Girls and Emmerdale, also stars, whilst distinguished theatre actor Brian Hodgson plays Charlie. Arnold talks to EDWIN GILSON about his role in the musical and leaving Coronation Street.

What was the relationship like between Charlie Chaplin and Sydney?

Sydney was very supportive of his brother – he was probably the only person who Charlie could speak to. They were half-brothers but very close, but were separated when they were kids because Charlie got stuck in a workhouse at the age of eight, and Sydney got sent to the military camp.

Did Chaplin find escapism from his poor London upbringing through his comedy act?

I think he used a lot of his background in his characters – especially the tramp. A lot of his performances reflect the way he grew up. He was brought up in poverty, and moved house about 15 times. Going from that to what he became shows his incredible drive; he was like an entrepreneur of comedy. He was a perfectionist and very strict with how things should be done, and very single-minded too. If you watch any of his films you’ll always find it’s produced by him, directed by him, performed by him! Nothing was going to get in the way of his vision.

Does the emotional tone of the musical reflect Chaplin’s comedy?

I think it has a bit of everything. We started off in London with the story, and you see how much of a struggle it was for him growing up. You see that sensitive side of it, but there are a lot of light-hearted songs in it too. Bryan Hodgson plays Chaplin and is fantastic. It is one of those productions when I watched rehearsals for the first time and thought, ‘it’s going to be a fantastic show, this.’ You see that at the end of the show every night – the audiences have been enjoying it a lot.

You play six roles in the musical – how do you shift between characters?

You have to break them down individually and work on them. I was given a lot of free reign by the play directors. I’d have a couple of days on one character and a few more days on the next, and work like that.

How is your singing?

I don’t sing in this play, and to be honest with you I’m not a singer. I sing in pantomimes, where it’s all a bit more light-hearted, but in this I leave it to the professionals. I don’t find learning lines difficult, but I don’t have a musical ear, I can’t navigate my way around a tune very well or hold a pitch. If I do get panto parts, though, I really enjoy them.

Can you pinpoint a moment when you shifted from television to the stage?

Panto was my first job when I left television. I needed to get on stage and learn a new craft having been in TV for so long. I’ve been in about 18 shows now, and have more booked in. I’m doing film, too, so I’m getting a good balance between stage and screen. From the first day I went on to a film set, I knew I wanted to be an actor. I’m not out there digging roads, I’m doing something that I love doing. I’m just going with it – some good things happen in life! That’s the thing about theatre – it’s true and honest. The acting never really changes for anyone, despite special effects. Cameras and technology are always developing but that’s a side I don’t worry about. I’ve been acting 27 years now – I know what to expect up to a point.

Musical runs are usually very lengthy – how do you cope with being on the road all the time?

You have to go with it and get the job done. People are paying their money so you want to give them a good show. The nice thing is that you see parts of the country you would never usually. It’s nice when we get a day to wander around, as we have been quite a lot recently.

Do you miss Coronation Street at all?

Oh yeah, of course. I always say that but I’ve got so many good friends that I grew up with there who are only a phone call away. Since I’ve left I’ve been so busy. There are times when I miss having a laugh in the green room with everyone, but you’ve got to look forward. I loved working on Coronation Street, though – it will always have a certain place in my heart.

Your character in the soap, Ashley Peacock, was killed off on its 50th anniversary episode. Some reports at the time suggested you regretted the manner of your exit – how do you feel about it now?

None of that is true. I was over the moon with my exit. I went out on the anniversary, in the live episode, with the biggest bang you could ever ask for. We had a meeting, the writers and I, and when they said that was what they wanted to do I thought it was fantastic. We shook hands and got on with our day-to-day work. It’s amazing what gets written sometimes in the press.

You appeared on Dancing on Ice – would you go on reality TV again?

No, not really. I enjoyed it while I did it, but I just want to stick to my acting now. That’s what I am, an actor. It was a good experience, but now I just want to focus on doing more stage and film and playing as many different characters as I can.

Where is the musical going after Brighton?

Well, we’re in Chesterfield straight after coming to you – a strange route! That’s touring for you though.

Chaplin: The Charlie Chaplin Story, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Sunday, July 17, starts 7.45pm, from £15, 01284 769505