Two former soap stars are appearing at Richmond Theatre next week in Deceptions, a new play by Paul Wheeler. Michelle Collins, best known for playing Cindy Beale in EastEnders, is joined in the two-hander by Rupert Hill, who played Coronation Street’s Jamie Baldwin.

Deceptions is set in the office of psychiatrist Julia Smythe (Collins) whose faith in her profession is dwindling.

The arrival of a posh young patient, played by Hill, does little to change her mind until a game of cat and mouse starts to evolve between the pair.

“The show has been done once before and it is difficult to pin down,” explains Hill. “It has dark moments but it is also a black comedy. My character comes to the psychiatrist with a problem and the audience is kept guessing about what it is until the end.”

Since leaving Coronation Street, Hill has enjoyed tackling a variety of roles, including a paedophile, and has relished the professional freedom treading the boards has afforded him.

He adds: “Coronation Street was a great grounding in professionalism but it has been fascinating to have plenty of time in rehearsals to really explore a script.”

Hill is also enjoying the opportunity the Deceptions tour is giving him to travel the country: “We are in Brighton at the moment. I’ve been on the beach every day – it is like being on a long holiday!”

Deceptions, Richmond Theatre, July 6 to 11, visit ambassadortickets.com to book tickets.