It is often argued that the best thing about growing old is having the freedom to say what you think.

Gustave, Christopher Timothy's grumpy character in Heroes, coming to Richmond Theatre next week, does just that, yet the star of All Creatures Great and Small doesn't buy into his philosophy.

Aged 66, with a venerable career on stage, screen and small screen behind him, you would expect Timothy to speak his mind, yet that isn't his style at all.

"I hate people who say I don't want to offend anyone, but I feel I have to say this'," observed Timothy. "If you don't want to offend anyone, then why not be nice?

"I remember a conversation I overheard as a teenager, two people were arguing about the definition of a true gentleman.

"One said a gentleman never knowingly offends anybody, but a lady said No, a gentleman never unknowingly offends anybody'."

Gustave, a former World War One officer, whiles away his days in a military hospital in France, knowingly offending his two friends and his carers, yet it's his frailty - he has agoraphobia - that appeals to the audience.

The part was first brought to the English stage by John Hurt. Tom Stoppard's translation of Gerald Sibleyras's Wind in the Poplars cast Hurt alongside Richard Griffiths and Ken Stott. Their heavyweight performances powered the play to an Olivier Award for best comedy.

This touring version, also starring Art Malik as Philippe and Michael Jayston as Henri, began its run in Bromley last week.

So is Timothy concerned he has a hard act to follow?

"Not really, I think it is going really well," he said. "Having a good script is a massive advantage. We would have to be real arseholes to get it wrong."

Heroes follows the ramblings of three World War One veterans, who spend their days reminiscing and dreaming up plans of future adventures.

Timothy believes Heroes is destined to go down in theatrical folklore.

"Like all great plays, it offers everything," he argued.

"I'm reminded of Ayckbourn. He has this ability to have an audience in stitches one minute then suddenly shock them back into sobriety. Heroes has that quality, I think it mirrors real life.

"The crux of the play is that the audience grow to really care for the characters. They are planning one more great adventure, but you know they are probably never going to leave the hospital.

"It's about growing old and looking back. It's very hard to watch and not find yourself nodding, knowingly."

  • Heroes, Richmond Theatre, Monday to Saturday, September 11-16, 7.45pm plus 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday, £12-£25. Visit richmondtheatre.net or call 0870 060 6651.