Peter Amory's passion is magic of theatre

It's his greatest passion. Though actor Peter Amory is best known for his TV work, particularly his compelling portrayal of Emmerdale's Chris Tate, he adores nothing more than the bright lights of the theatre. Treading the boards in the theatre is his favourite way of spending time – and The Grand, in Wolverhampton, is one of his most-loved venues.

Amory will return to the city from Tuesday to July 13 to star in The Trouble With Old Lovers. He's familiar with the space, having appeared at the venue on a number of occasions, including in an acclaimed production of Woman in White.

"I've been to The Grand before," he says.

"I must be honest, I love it. It's both the audience and the theatre, though the theatre is particularly special. When you travel around the country, you begin to realise that there are not many theatres like the Grand. A lot of them have closed down, unfortunately. A lot of people have visited The Grand, it's a place with great history. The staff are also very, very friendly."

Amory will play in a deliciously dark comedy, which focuses on what happens when old flames return. Written by Angela Huth, it is a razor-sharp comedy of seduction, misspent passion and marital strife.

The action centres on an unexpected encounter with an old friend at a wedding. It follows four old flames who find themselves re-united for the first time in 20 years with catastrophic consequences.

"It's funny, but it's funny-tragic, rather than funny with lots of gags. People will find themselves laughing at uncomfortable moments. They will be laughing because they recognise particular situations, not because there are funny jokes. It's a poignant piece. Like all good comedy, it's based on real situations, it's about real life.

"In the digital age, when everything is just a click away, the piece is particularly relevant. Lots of people find themselves in situations when they can meet people they used to know. The play moves very fast.

"It's all about those fragments of our lives that we have either taken out of our mind and crushed or have decided not to confront."

Amory enjoys his new life as a travelling repertory theatre actor and does not hanker for a return to the small screen.

"I love being on stage and I love being on TV. Both are great, though they are very different.

"When you're on stage, there's no take two. You have to get it right and you have to keep it moving.

"I enjoyed my stint as Chris Tate, it was a great job. But it got to the point where I asked if it could come to an end. It was very amicable, very affable. I spoke to the producer. They asked if I'd just like time off, but I said no, so he was killed off."