Critically acclaimed play the Handyman arrives at Richmond Theatre this month and stars Timothy West, who plays an elderly Ukranian odd-job man suddenly taken away from his work for a middle-class couple and questioned by officers from the war crimes squad.

Amy Dyduch speaks to Timothy West about the play.

“I think it’s an exciting play – it makes you think. People go out still talking about it, which is good,” says Mr West, who is looking forward to performing in Richmond later this month – just a short journey from his home in Wandsworth Common.

“It is always lovely to come to Richmond,” says the actor, who was faced with some challenges during rehearsals.

“There are always challenges, and learning a Ukrainian accent was one of them.”

Timothy’s character, Romka, lives in Sussex with Cressida and Julian Field and mends fences, cooks and grows vegetables for the couple.

Timothy says his character does not emulate his real life. He says: “I do a bit of DIY, but I wouldn’t describe myself as a handyman.”

The play, by Ronald Harwood, explores law, justice and revenge, after Timothy’s character is questioned by police and the set changes between the countryside home and a Scotland Yard interview room.

Timothy has been touring with the production for four weeks already and says it has been well received by the audience.

He says: “It is about what happens to a stable, happy, middle-class couple and their homestead when they suddenly find themselves with disaster in their midst. It unleashes different feelings; loyalty, prejudice and concern.”

The Handyman, Richmond Theatre, October 15 to 20; Tickets £12 to £17, atgtickets.com/richmond, 0844 8717651.