Former Collie resident Tom Rees is appearing in a comedy about gangsters in London's East End during the 1960s, presented by Maverick Theatre Productions at the Old Mill Theatre this month.
A Picture of Betrayal is written and directed by Noel O'Neill and explores the day-to-day life of criminals.
Mr Rees was born in Glasgow, Scotland and came to Australia with his family when he was seven.
"We settled in Collie because my father had relatives there, so virtually all my schooling, apart from the first two years, was in Collie," he said.
Mr Rees plays the character of small-time crook, Charlie Boggs.
"He has a big chip on his shoulder due to feeling he has been betrayed by his long-time henchman Ray," he said.
"Charlie is seemingly pleasant on the surface, but beneath lies a vengeful and vindictive nature.
"Some of the challenges include trying to perfect the Cockney accent and getting the timing right with the comedy, which is always vital."
Acting since his early 20s, Mr Rees has a wealth experience to his credit performing at the Old Mill, Rockingham, Kwinana, Playlovers, Regal, Harbour and Melville Theatres, Graduate Dramatic Society, and at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and Subiaco Arts Centre.
More recently, he appeared in Seventeen at the Blue Room Theatre in 2018.
Mr Rees said A Picture of Betrayal appealed to him because he knew the writer and director Noel O'Neill.
"I liked the look of the script due to the humour, as well as some of the darker elements, as well as the character of Charlie.
"While I'd describe it as a black comedy, it's up to the audience to decide."
A Picture of Betrayal plays at the Old Mill now until May 18.
You can book tickets at: www.trybooking.com/BBJDQ.