WIRRAL-born actor Matthew Atkins is making his debut at the Playhouse in Jane Austen's Persuasion.

He tells Globe columnist Peter Grant about his home-coming this October.

Jane Austen's final novel is performed on stage for the first time as part of a UK tour and one of the five-strong cast is local actor and musician Matthew Atkins – and he can't wait.

Born in Arrowe Park 29 years ago, he was brought up in Wallasey Village where his proud parents still live.

They will be there at the Playhouse to see the accomplished actor and violinist at the theatre playing a variety of roles.

Matthew told the Globe: "This is extra special for me because I will be inviting some of my old drama teachers and, of course, my family and friends will be there.

"When I was at Mosslands we went to either the Playhouse or Everyman on a regular basis.

"One play called Stones in his pockets left such an impression on me when I was a teenager.

"I remember Mosslands as a great school for drama and music – they certainly helped me with my future auditions.

"It inspired me to carry on and I was in the Wirral School Orchestra and the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. 

"This new Austen adaptation features plenty of humour even though it was one of her most serious and romantic novels. There is a bit of a Cinderella theme in there, too.

"I was told I have the ability to look convincingly old and convincingly young. I do hope that's a compliment ...

"I would encourage everyone - young and old - to come along. Just as we were encouraged as youngsters." 

Matthew who has enjoyed appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, has fond memories five years ago playing the Empire in a production of Seven brides for seven brothers.

"When I come home I become a bit of a tour guide for the rest of the cast – mostly from the South.

"I will do that again this time especially for those wanting to see the Beatle locations and maybe a trip to New Brighton."

Trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal central school of speech and Drama, he says one of his ambitions is to appear in The Rocky Horror show as Riff Raff.

Matthew loves every performance of a piece of work written 200 years ago which he has grown to love, thanks to this already well received interpretation.

Published in 1817 – six months after Austen's death, Persuasion follows Anne Elliot – a young woman in love.

Swept off her feet by the dashing but poor naval officer, Captain Wentworth, she devastatingly rejects his marriage proposal.

Matthew added: "I am so excited to perform at the Playhouse it is genuinely where I first dreamt of becoming a performer.

"I've been lucky to perform up and down the country as well as overseas but there is nothing quite like coming home with a show you are proud of."

Although he is making his Playhouse debut this is not the first time Matthew has appeared in the Wirral Globe.

"I was featured in it when I was ten - 19 years ago talking about my Star Wars collection," he laughs out loud.

"I will now, happily, be appearing in it again for very different reasons." 

Persuasion Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday October 9 until Saturday October 13.

Tickets are from www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on or by calling 0151 709 4776.