HE MAY be best known for his comedy but Lenny Henry has taken to the stage in a much different guise at Malvern Theatres this week.

The 54-year-old stars in August Wilson’s Fences as the “deeply flawed” lead character Troy Maxson, a once gifted athlete who was denied his shot at the big time.

Struggling through daily life in the US city of Pittsburgh and resentful of a world he believes has denied him chances at every turn, Troy takes out his anger on a sport-obsessed son and his loyal wife.

Henry said he was attracted to the role of Troy as it encompasses comedy, drama and pathos.

He said: “It’s an extraordinary play. Not very many people know it in this country because it’s an African-American play but I think it’s got the same dramatic sweep as a Greek tragedy or Shakespeare.

“The central character – he’s charismatic, he’s complicated. There’s many layers. When you begin the play he’s an incredible storyteller and as it progresses, there’s much more to him.

“He’s a deeply flawed man who seems intent on destroying his family.”

Although he has been acting since the age of 16 and takes it ‘very seriously’, Henry said he does have to be careful not to be too ‘Lenny Henry’ on stage.

“With this, because he’s a bit of joker, you have to be careful,” he said.

“You have to make it so the characters come to life. Whatever you think of me, you’re watching the story.

“You forget that it’s Lenny, which is the art of great writing. There’s an expectation when people sit down because they don’t really know about the play.

“They wonder if I chose it because it’s funny, but genuinely it’s a drama.

“It’s very sad and very moving. You get a lot of crying. It’s wonderful, I’m used to getting laughs.”

Lenny, who hails from the Black Country, said he cannot wait for the tour to come to Malvern, where all his family will watch him perform.

He said: “It’s wonderful, I’m from Dudley so it’s not very far at all. My family are coming to see the play. I think they’re going to enjoy it.”

Fences runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday. For tickets, call the box office on 01684 892277 or visit malvern-theatres.co.uk.