Last Chance To See... Stephen Billington as John Proctor in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible at York Theatre Royal.

CASUALTY star Stephen Billington has loved Arthur Miller’s witchcraft play The Crucible since he was 15.

“I studied it for O-levels and I think I wanted to play John Proctor ever since,” he says. “It’s one of my top five roles in 20th century drama, without question.

“What appeals to me is the journey he goes on, his search for himself and his search for goodness in himself and finding God within himself, though I’m not a religious person myself. I could not have been happier to have been offered this role.”

He was drawn to another of the themes of Miller’s play.

“I’m fascinated by injustice and ‘scapegoating’, which is something human society does a lot, and it’s one of those things that makes this play still so relevant today. The miscarriage of justice is something I’ve always found a really moving element in society, and every time I’ve seen this play, it’s really moved me.”

Stephen is part of the ensemble company for the Theatre Royal’s seven-month season of In The Round productions and will have further roles in My Family And Other Animals in the main house next month and in Jez Butterworth’s Parlour Song in the Studio in July.

“My Family is one of my favourite books from my childhood and Jez Butterworth is my favourite contemporary playwright, so I’m in clover!” he says.

The Crucible ends its run at York Theatre Royal tomorrow; performances are at 7.30pm tonight and 2.30pm and 7.30pm tomorrow. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk