How did you secure the role?

I auditioned in the normal way but I already knew the director, Timothy Sheader, so I truly believe in staying on people’s radar. When I got the call that I had got the part I thought “OMG and went into a sweat and panicked”. To be honest, I’ve only just relaxed into the role.

How much did you know about the part?

Not a lot, as I hadn’t read the book nor seen the film. I then quickly realised that I had to fill the boots of the brilliant Gregory Peck, who portrayed Atticus Finch in the 1962 Oscar winning film.

What did you feel most passionate about bringing to the role?

Well I discovered that Atticus Finch was perceived as a hero but he’s really not. He was just a small town lawyer, with morals, doing his job. I couldn’t compare him to anyone but what intrigued me is that you can connect with him on a very personal level and I hope this is what I bring to the role.

How would you summarise the touring version?

An incredible group of actors sharing in a real ensemble piece which is made all the better by some emotive live music.

What has been the audience’s reaction?

Well, we’ve been selling out at nearly every performance. So far as have performed to around 8,000 people. The play is profoundly moving, leaving people in tears and openly weeping as there is no real happy ending here.

Atticus must be a most compassionate man to portray – do you feel emotionally drained after each performance?

No, it’s interesting really because when you’re doing a job that gives you so much pleasure, there’s only a sense of fulfilment to be experienced at the end of the performance. I actually feel quite uplifted, even though I am sometimes performing up to nine shows a week.

Daniel Betts – tell me about you?

My mother was an actress but it was whilst I was at Art School in Edinburgh that the drama teacher, Peter Snow, suggested I should be involved in an amateur dramatics production and I kind of picked up the bug from there. I am married with four grown-up children.

One of my daughters, 23-year-old Rose Betts is about to release a single and has just been shooting her music video, which is very exciting for me as a Father.

My home is in Hertfordshire and I love to listen to music whilst travelling in my car. Funnily enough, I don’t go to the theatre myself but I enjoy the cinema and the last film I saw was called Whiplash.

Is there a role you would love to play?

Good question, but I’m not that ambitious really – the thought of a Shakespearean role terrifies me!

Have you performed at the Mayflower before?

No, I’ve never been to Southampton but I understand it’s a beautiful theatre. I never get any time to explore these towns and cities that we tour but I hope to try to get out and about to do some shopping whilst in Southampton.