Ben scores in play about Cloughie

Apr 21 2006 By Andy Coleman, Birmingham Mail

BEN Goddard reckons he has the best job in the world -because he is able to combine his two favourite pastimes.

The 32-year-old is mad about music and theatre and both come together in Old Big 'Ead, playing at Birmingham Rep from April 25-29.

In addition, Ben is half of pop duo Ellenby who have just released their debut album All You Need To Know.

Ben, who in 1999 appeared as Judas in the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar, explains that he gained a role in Old Big 'Ead by accident.

"I was asked to write the music for the play, which I did, and then I was told they couldn't find anyone for the part of Damian, a musician.

"I was invited to take the role - and it suited me perfectly. Damian is a fey actor who's very young, innocent and naive; I was that person many years ago!"

Old Big 'Ead tells the story of a playwright who is struggling to pen a new drama about Robin Hood.

He gains inspiration from none other than the late Brian Clough, the legendary Derby County and Nottingham Forest manager, who joked that his OBE stood for Old Big 'Ead.

"We weren't sure how it would be received around the country because it's very Nottingham-based," reveals Arsenal fan Ben.

"But we found that everyone knows about Brian Clough and Robin Hood and the play appeals to anyone interested in sport and football."

When the Old Big 'Ead tour finishes Ben plans to concentrate on Ellenby with his musical partner Liz Young.

"I've always been passionate about music and we've been performing as Ellenby for some years," says Ben, who met Liz while studying music at Leeds University.

"It was a while before we recorded an album because we didn't really have a direction until we signed with Level-sound Records. Now we're focused and determined to make it a success."