Feel-good comedy Sign Of The Times is coming to Richmond Theatre, starring TV regular Stephen Tompkinson, writes Chloe Brett Rewritten by Tim Firth, the writer of Calendar Girls, the play was originally commissioned by Sir Alan Ayckbourn in 1991 and entitled Absolutely Frank.

The remake, now called Sign of the times, follows two dreamers in search of success.

Hardworking Frank Tollit (Tompkinson) has spent the past 25 years putting up letters on buildings but dreams of becoming a novelist while colleague Alan (Tom Shaw), 30 years his junior, wants to be a rock star. But can frank find salvation in his clumsy apprentice?

Here, Stephen Tompkinson talks about his love of acting and his return to Richmond Theatre.

Chloe Brett: The play has been described as a comedy – is that how you see it?

Stephen Tompkinson: The play is a comedy but much more. It is about having dreams and ambition, it’s about happiness and failure. Frank’s good at his job, he does enjoy it, but he has bigger dreams. I think everyone will be able to relate to it.

CB: You have done so much TV work as well as stage, how do the two compare?

ST: Well, I love acting, both on stage and TV. I love to explore the different mediums. However, in TV land, you feel you are wrapped in cotton wool. in theatre, you get the media responses, the audience’s reactions, which is marvellous, it is a mutually shared experience.

CB: You starred in Charlie’s Aunt at Richmond Theatre. how do you think the Richmond audience will respond to Sign of The Times?

ST: It differs each night, from town and city to city, but I know Richmond Theatre and it is gorgeous. I think the audience will be able to relate to the characters – they might see their dad in Frank or their son in Alan. I think they will love the play.

CB: How do you feel about coming back to Richmond?

ST: I especially like acting at Richmond Theatre, there’s a real sense of pride about individual theatres that you can’t get in the West end and I’m delighted to be back.

CB: You collaborated with Tim Firth in The Flint Street Nativity for TV. What was it like working with him again?

ST: Tim’s a great friend, I have always had an affinity with his work, so when he asked me to star in the play I was more than happy. Tim’s a national treasure, he has the ability to speak to everyone – he’s a worldwide success. Working with him doesn’t feel like work, I enjoy it so much.

Sign of The Times, Richmond Theatre, April 27 to May 2, £13-£26, 0871 297 5454, ambassador tickets.com