A FORMER teacher gave up his career to get on stage and into the spotlight.

John Griffiths acted in his spare time but in 1977 decided to dive into the deep end and make it his lifes ambition.

He told the Adver: Funnily enough I started out with the director Im working with now, at the beginning of my career in acting. He asked me to do a show in 1977 when I was a teacher as I was acting on the side, then I went ahead with making it my full-time career and gave up teaching.

I dont regret giving it up at all, its my two combined passions of theatre and travel. Ive travelled all over the world to places like Germany and Austria, its a great way to combine my passions.

John will be playing Major Metcalf in the play as he works alongside Gareth Armstrong for the second time.

Gareth has worked across the world as a director and actor.

Hes directed classics by William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Anton Chekhov, and Nol Coward.

I was a police officer in Agatha Christies Verdict and I was performing in Torquay. He asked me to join him and play a role in Under Milk Wood.

Ive worked in quite a few plays written by Agatha and now Im doing Mousetrap which is in its 68th year, its astounding.

The first showing of the renowned play at the Wyvern Theatre will be on February 10 to 15.

Tickets for the show are between 25.50 to 34.00 varying each night.

To book tickets visit the Wyvern Theatre website at swindontheatres.co.uk

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A former teacher took to the stage to pursue dreams of being theatre star - Swindon Advertiser