Colin Baker is time travelling again but this time he hasn't got the luxury of a space-defying Tardis.

In Terence Rattigan's Second World War drama Flare Path, the former Dr Who must squeeze into a tight cockpit and a snug RAF uniform.

"People always ask: 'What is the biggest challenge of the play?' Well, forget learning lines and gruelling rehearsals, the biggest challenge was finding a costume to fit me.

"I'm a big lad now. In fact, I only realised just how big I was when the costume department measured me up for an authentic RAF uniform. They couldn't find one big enough."

Rattigan, also the author of classic British plays such as The Winslow Boy and The Browning Version, wrote Flare Path as a tribute to the heroism of ordinary men and women during the war.

Set in 1942, the play examines the lives of RAF pilots stationed at a deserted English airfield. Private lives come to the fore as they snatch fleeting moments with their wives.

But time is limited and the tragedy and humour of life and love dramatically unfold as they battle against the enemy and the odds.

Colin last performed a Rattigan play in the early Eighties. "I've been praying for a Rattigan, a Priestley or a Shaw to come along. There are some plays which are everyday fare and some which are a banquet. This play is a pure feast."

Although written in the Forties, Flare Path deals with the eternal subject of humanity in the face of conflict. "War is always with us. We still forget what we ask others to do on our behalf.

"When we wind up a lot of young people and point them at the enemy, it's easy to think: 'They're professionals, they're just doing their job.'

"But sometimes, the outward bravery doesn't reflect the emotions inside. Sometimes, these young men and women are keeping a stiff upper lip - but, inside, they're falling apart."

Although it has been 15 years since Colin dodged Daleks and escaped Cybermen, he is happy to reminisce about his doctoring days.

"My first role on Dr Who was playing a Gallifrean guard. My job was to shoot Peter Davidson, the Doctor at the time. I didn't want to take the job because I'd heard if you played a small part, you would never play the doctor. My agent laughed and said: 'Chance would be a fine thing.'

"While on set, I met the producer and I was having one of those rare days when I was on top form. I was being witty and making everyone laugh. He remembered me and when Peter quit, I was the person he called."

Flare Path is at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, until April 13 and the Connaught Theatre, Worthing, from April 15-20 For Eastbourne tickets, call 01323 412000. For Worthing, call 01903 206206.