Globe columnist Peter Grant says ‘Howdy’ to EastEnders star Marc Elliott who is in Paint Your Wagon at the Everyman.

Marc Elliott is in good company.

He is a member of the award-winning Everyman Theatre Company who have opened their new season with Paint Your Wagon - with not a horse in sight.

"There’s no wagon or painting going on either," laughs Marc.

The former EastEnders star plays Julio a Mexican gold miner - an outcast who falls in love with Jennifer.

Along the way there are classic songs, dance, humour, and a lot of fun.

It is a long way from Albert Square where he played gay Muslim, Syed Masood back in 2009 for four years winning a major Soap Newcomer Award in the process.

He also played registrar Isaac Mayfield in Holby City for a year.

Marc, 38, tells the Globe: ‘‘Gemma Bodinetz, the director here likes to think ‘epic’ while creating this incredible intimacy.

‘‘There’s only fourteen in the company and yet we must play around 60 characters.’’

Marc, who was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon, was not familiar with the famous 1977 film starring Hollywood legend Lee Marvin or the stage musical.

He only knew two of the songs – ‘Wan’drin’ Star and ‘They Call The Wind Mariah. ’

And although he is from Shakespeare’s home town he had not read Othello and wishes he could meet the Bard in a pub to go through it line-by line.

So he’s looking forward to whatever challenges working on three pieces by two sparkling directors at the Everyman will have in store.

He’s enjoying the experience even though they are working him and the rest of the company very hard especially when you ‘have two left feet,’ he jokes.

"I have wanted to act since I was five when I saw my sister in Peter Pan.’’

And he relishes the Everyman work ethic "We all give one hundred per cent. That’s the Everyman way.’’

Marc says he is loving living in Liverpool – an incredibly friendly city.

Time off seems a luxury at present.

Yet he is planning taking his mum on a tour of the city when she comes to see the show.

Marc’s landlady has given him a book called ‘111 Things to do in Liverpool.’

He’s ticked three boxes already checking out the nearby Philharmonic Hall and the two cathedrals.

He also wants to board the Mersey Ferry and re-visit Wirral.

He was last here working at Hoylake -during the Open Golf tournament- tuning radios.

Now he is focused on the season ahead. 

He will be in Othello and The Great I Am.

Other members of the Company will be in an adaptation of A Clockwork Orange.

Marc is genuinely loving every minute of being an Everyman Company man.

‘‘It’s scary but so exciting.

"It felt right the moment I came to the audition before Christmas and I was shown around by Sarah the Company manager.

"You are made to feel so welcome here.’’

Paint Your Wagon on until July 14.

For tickets call the Everyman Box Office on 0151 709 4776.