Legendary actor Robert Powell takes a fond look back through more than a century of cinema with a production at Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre this month.

The star, best known for playing the title role in the hit 1977 series Jesus of Nazareth, fronts this affectionate and nostalgic romp through the first 113 years of cinema.

The actor, who late played bungling police officer Dave Briggs in Jasper Carrott’s sitcom The Detectives, says “It’s a bit of fun really, nothing too serious.

“It’s a little of entertainment, a bit of film, a bit of history and a bit of fun.”

The Mancunian actor, who began his acting career in repertory theatre in Staffordshire, is joined by Gabrielle Drake, who is probably best known for her roles as Lt Gay Ellis in the sci-fi series UFO, and later as motel boss Nicola Freeman in Midlands-based soap opera Crossroads.

The production beings with cinema pioneers the Lumiere Brothers in Paris in 1895, and finishes with Bond 22 being filmed at Pinewood Studios in 2008.

The audience is introduced to Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Mickey Mouse and Humphrey Bogart along the way, with appearances by Clark Gable, Groucho Marx, Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon.

Also appearing in the production are Christine Croshaw and Clive Conway.

The journey will be sweetened with musical interludes from Scott Joplin, George Gershwin through to John Barry’s “James Bond” theme.

* Robert Powell’ s Silver Screen is on at Lichfield Garrick Theatre on May 30, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £15.50 and £17.50, are available from the box office on 01543 412121.

By Mark Andrews