ONE of the actors starring in the Dukes latest production The Glass Menagerie will soon be appearing on cinema screen's across the country.

Justin Shevlin, 28, is currently entertaining Lancaster audiences as Tom Wingfield, the frustrated son and narrator of Tennessee Williams' poignant domestic drama.

But in a new British film unveiled last week, The Criminal, Justin plays the part of a good old fashioned villain and henchman.

A conspiracy thriller starring comedian Eddie Izzard and Bernard Hill, The Criminal is Justin's first ever feature film.

And although it's not a leading role he appears frequently.

"I'm one of the baddies and I keep cropping up in the film as a henchman who does all the dirty work," said Justin. "The villains are always great fun to play. I really enjoyed the experience. It's completely different to acting on stage. I didn't get any nerves, you just turn up and do your bit, but then again it's not the same buzz as live acting."

Justin has always wanted to play one of the lead roles in the Glass Menagerie and having worked with Dukes Director Ian Hastings before he was delighted when Ian gave him a call.

"When I saw Glass Menagerie I really enjoyed it. I'd always wanted to play Tom or the Gentleman Caller and when Ian called me I jumped at the chance. Ian knows a lot of great actors, he did Glass Menagerie in Manchester with Linos Roache, so I had a lot to live up to but it's been a challenge I've enjoyed. The part has lived up to my expectations and I'm proud to have played a part on this show. I was pretty nervous before it opened - the American accent can be a bit tricky - and it was my first time at the Dukes."

Brought up in Kenya and widely travelled, Justin speaks highly of regional theatre.

He added: "There's a myth that London is the centre of the world but most of the best things I've ever done has been in the regions. The Dukes is lucky to have Ian as director, I always enjoy working with him, and I hope to be back at the Dukes again sometime in the future."

Tickets for the Glass Menagerie are still on sale. Call 66645 for more details.