Name: Richard Attlee is my stage name. My real surname is Howard.
Profession: Actor. Most famously I am Kenton Archer in the Archers on Radio 4. I was written in in 2000 over about ten episodes then the character flew off to Australia. But he’s been written in again: he tends to drift in and out. Even when I’m not appearing, I am referred to, which keeps me alive, so to speak. The character was a complete idiot to start, but he’s becoming a bit more responsible nowadays. I have had a few TV roles - I’m rehearsing for one at the moment for the BBC - and done a lot of theatre. I was in Paddock Productions’ The Young Visiters (sic), and recently did the Present Laughter Tour with Simon Callow. I’m also directing and appearing in a one-off show for the Lewes Live Lit Festival. It’s called Love on the Tracks, and is inspired by the early playlets and short stories on Anton Chekhov.
Are you local: if not how long have you been here? I moved here three years ago from North London.
Best thing about Lewes? I love walking through the town and seeing the hills at the end of the roads and twitttens. Though sometimes I do miss the anonymity London affords.
Worst thing about Lewes? The endless buying of parking tickets you have to do.
Favourite pub? I like the Lewes Arms for conversation. The Pelham is a good local pub. And I watch the football in the Brewers.
What’s your poison? Harveys. My stomach doesn’t always like it, but I always do.
What do you think about traffic wardens? It’s not their fault, it’s the NCP. I know we need some parking restrictions but I can’t help thinking all the money from the scheme ends up in somebody’s pockets far away from Lewes.