A play based on the life and work of Sir Alec Guinness is coming to west London next month as part of Ealing Music and Film Festival.

Two Halves Of Guinness is a one-man show performed by Trevor Littledale, an actor with more than 50 years experience who lives in South Ealing.

Sir Alec Guinness had a special relationship with the Ealing borough as he made his name starring in the landmark comedies made at Ealing Studios, performing unforgettable roles in films including The Ladykillers and Kind Hearts and Coronets.

Mr Littledale said the idea for the play was actually hatched by his friend, playwright Mark Burgess.

He said: “We were having a couple of drinks together and chatting and I started doing the voices of different actors when he suddenly said to me ‘You know, I think I’m going to write a one-man show for you.’”

The production had humble beginnings as it was first performed in late 2010 at a handful of small venues in Ealing, including the Rose and Crown Pub, but has since gone on to performances in London’s West End and even Dubai.

The play covers all aspects of the life of the acclaimed actor, from his work in the Ealing Comedies to the performances in Star Wars and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, which would earn him fans across the world.

Mr Littledale said: “It’s beautifully written piece. I play Alec Guinness across all the stages of his life, including around the time he made Star Wars, but I also play other roles like John Gielgud and David Lean.

“He had quite an extraordinary life. This year is the centenary of his birth and he had a very sad childhood. He was also gay, although he married and had a child, and even became a Roman Catholic. He was a very tormented man and his mother was an alcoholic, yet despite all this he went on to have an extraordinary career.

“Although the play is about a famous man it’s also a story of hope. You can raise yourself up to great things no matter what you have been through, and that’s the message of the play.”

Preparing for the performance was tough as Mr Littledale studied hundred of hours and audio and video capturing Guinness’s voice and performance. He would also have to memorise 90 minutes worth of material to perform by himself, but said the play has been a ‘wonderful experience’.

Two Halves Of Guinness will be performed at 4pm on Sunday, February 16 at the University Of West London, St Mary’s Road, Ealing W5 5RF.

Tickets are £10 and are available via the website www.ealingmusicandfilmfestival.org .