WIRRAL actor Glenn Carter tells Peter Grant why he is looking forward to next week at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton when he plays Che Guevara in Evita.

"I grew up in West Kirby and I can recall going to New Brighton to sail my model yacht at the marine lake," says Glenn.

"I remember it a huge open space as a boy and can picture an ice cream hut, so I'm looking ahead to seeing it now. And I am working there on the Pavilion stage for the first time.

"I will visit friends while I am there, too." 

Versatile Glenn, who trained at the Arts Educational School n London, is no stranger to the North West.

His father was stationed at RAF Sealand, so he has fond memories of Chester and later living in North Wales.

The actor and musician has a CV any actor would envy; from tours with Jesus Christ Superstar to Cats, Grease, Hamlet and playing the original Tommy De Vito in Jersey Boys.

And, like his two leading co-stars in Evita Lucy O'Brien (Eva) and Mike Sterling (Juan), appearing in that other multi-award winner Les Miserables.

Now he is Che Guevara – the beret-clad narrator who talks and sings directly to the audience in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's timeless musical Evita.

It tells the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, and follows Eva's journey, which ultimately led her to be heralded as 'spiritual leader of the nation' by the Argentine people.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, and an Oscar-winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, it features some of the best-loved songs in musical history Glenn sings Oh What A Circus and High Flying Adored made famous by David Essex.

"I am loving it all. It's so unlike other work I have done," says Glenn who once played Buzz Aldrin in Moon Landing, a musical play specially written for him.

Away from the stage he is a political activist and has run campaigns - notably for women's rights.

He relishes playing people with a voice – like Che.

"I am always looking out for new creative work.

"I believe in new writing and if something appealed to me I would even do it for £2.50 wages." 

Glenn is passionate about what he does.

He has enjoyed film success with Jesus Christ Superstar and recalls working with a nervous Rik Mayall, who he described as "A lovely man who was so good to be around." 

And Glenn says he enjoyed a one-episode stint in Hollyoaks, playing a rock roadie.

As we talk Glenn received some great hot-off-the-press news about Evita.

"I have just been told we will be going to Germany next year after the UK tour ends in December." 

Glenn certainly has huge respect for producer Bill Kenwright, who also directs the show with Bob Tomson.

"Bill likes his shows to have a real family feel. He is a loyal man. I have so much regard for him.

"He is also a tough man - and I like that in people. You know where you are with them.

"I like people to speak their mind." 

Glenn says he hopes Wirral theatre-goers will come along and see Evita, because it is a classic and its story still resonates.

"I suppose Eva Peron was a victim of fake news.

"I believe she was a Robin Hood character who genuinely gave money to the poor.

"I find the whole show and its story so very interesting, controversial and, of course. it has such fabulous music and songs."

Evita is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton Pavilion from next Tuesday to Friday, September 11 to 15.

Tickets from the box office on 0151 666 0000.