How have you found putting on one of the most important political dramas of all time at this moment of history?

“It’s been fascinating rehearsing and putting the play on during the whole election campaign. It’s been really really interesting.”

Which political figure would you compare your character Antony to?

“You have to be careful how far you go of course, but I suppose Antony is a sort of Gordon Brown figure. He’s a huge figure, but he’s fundamentally flawed in lots of respects. He’s having to see how it’s done from a PR point of view by Caesar, who is the David Cameron or Tony Blair figure. Of course the first Emperor Augustus rewrote history so we will have to wait and see!”

What parallels can we draw with today?

“There are parallels. It was a time of generational change. There’s the love affair of course, but it’s not just about their love affair, it’s about the relationship between generations – fathers and sons, older and younger men and lots of competition between the generations.”

How are you enjoying playing Antony?

“It’s a fabulous part. I did the play about ten years ago and loved it. Ever since I’ve thought it was an astonishing piece of work. Every time I have a drink after the show with the rest of the actors we’re discovering new things and thoughts are going off in our heads. It’s an amazing piece of work, beautiful poetry. I’m happy to be able to play a smashing part. The thing about Shakespeare is that he is for all time. The context is ancient Rome, but there are plenty of things to recognise in yourself and in modern times. It’s human and it’s a joy to play, especially alongside my Cleopatra Susie Trayling.”

How does this version differ from the one you did with the Royal Shakespeare Company?

“It’s shorter. Patrick (Sandford, director) has done a great job of that. In this day and age, you can’t put an audience through four hours of Shakespeare! We’ve brought it down to about 2 hours 40 minutes but the basic fundamentals are the same. It’s a younger production, which makes a difference as well.”

You’ve had some wonderful roles in plays like Way Upstream and An Inspector Calls and TV shows like Trial and Retribution and Spooks. Do you prefer one medium or is variety the spice of life?

“I love variety for my bank balance, but theatre is my first love and always has been. It’s the way you do things straight from scratch, get in a room with a whole body of people you don’t know and go on this amazing journey with them to try to create a piece of work. It’s extraordinary. You don’t necessarily get that for instance on TV. What often happens is a particular production is not necessarily filmed in the right order so you don’t get the full experience.”

You grew up in Winchester. Is it good to be home?

“Oh yes, from a teenager I was in Winchester. I went to Peter Symonds College, was in bands falling out of the back of tour vans every Saturday night and really put down roots. I have lots of friends in the area and it’s where I call home, despite now living in London. I regularly make a nuisance of myself showing up and it was exciting to be travelling down the M3 going home with something to show people.”

Do you think your college years here shaped you as an actor?

“I was a member of the National Youth Theatre but my drama teacher at college Dave Lee definitely encouraged me to do what I’m now doing.”

Owen is starring in Antony and Cleopatra at The Nuffield until May 22. For tickets, call 023 8067 1771 or visit nuffieldtheatre.co.uk.