Bath Chronicle editor David Gledhill has taken to the stage for the first time in more than 30 years, in an experience he has described as “a nightmare”.

David, (44), took the male lead in the Agatha Christie play A Murder is Announced, the debut production of The Northenders Theatre Company.

The newspaper editor impressed critics with his interpretation of the long-suffering Inspector Craddock, and had even grown a moustache specially for the occasion.

David takes to the stage

David said: “I enjoyed the last night – but one out of four isn’t enough!”

The role was David’s first time treading the boards since he appeared in the title role in a production of Oliver at the age of 11, and was persuaded to audition after helping to set up the drama group.

Before getting into journalism, acting had been David’s first ambition, and he even auditioned for RADA.

But despite his vast experience of public speaking the role left him suffering from stress and nerves.

David said: “I write speeches all the time, but they are my words so it’s easy.

“Give me a subject and I’ll talk about it for an hour, but learning someone else’s words is a completely different matter.

“You cannot imagine the number of hours that went into it.

“I lost days of my life to Inspector Craddock!”

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