British actor David Payne, who tours the world with his one-man show titled An Evening With C.S Lewis, in which he portrays the legendary author, poet and Christian philosopher C.S. Lewis, has announced a new U.S. tour, that will arrive in Roanoke on April 9, at the Jefferson Center.
“I am honored to return to the U.S. in my role of C.S. Lewis to bring An Evening With C.S. Lewis to audiences of all ages,” said Payne. “Mr. Lewis has influenced several generations with his writings and theology and I am humbled to portray this amazing man.”
Lewis, poet and author of The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, is considered by many to be one of the literary giants of the 20th century.
The actor stumbled into his role as C.S. Lewis when he read an advertisement that said, “Auditions for Shadowlands. British accents a help!” in 1996 for a theatrical production to be staged at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Payne, who had never been onstage before, decided to audition in hopes of landing a minor part. He surprised everyone–including himself–when he won the lead role. The rest, as they say, is history and a successful acting career had been launched.
Payne has played Lewis in a number of productions of Shadowlands, in his self-penned Weep for Joy and St. Jack and the Dragon stage productions, and in more than 500 presentations of An Evening With C.S. Lewis. He has had many voiceover commissions and narrated the entire Bible for the audio version of the new Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Ticket prices for the April 9th show at the Jefferson Center are $20 (Economy), $30 (Premium) and $40 (VIP seating plus Meet & Greet with Payne) plus taxes and service fee. Show time is 7 p.m.
For more information about Payne, visit davidpaynedrama.com.
