Jake Speer, who is currently playing Oscar on hit Australian soapie Home and Away, will return to his stage roots next week. 

Speer will feature in The Invasion of the Body Snatchers, is an inventive adaptation of the classic cult sci-fi 50s.

He is the sole actor in the play, which has been devised by his former drama teacher Peter Cox. 

It will debut in Wagga on November 20 and 21, but could also take to the stage at the Roxy Theatre should it prove popular. 

Speer will also return to his acting roots at NIDA, where the play will be on stage on December 8. 

He said he was looking forward to getting up in front of an audience once more. 

“There’s been plenty of challenges with getting this one up and running,” Speer said. 

“As I’m in Sydney and ‘Coxy’ is in Wagga, we’ve had to overcome quite a number of different things. 

“We actually won’t be having a full rehearsal together until right at the last minute. 

“We’ve been working on it for many months now, we’ve just had to do it in different places. 

“All of that adds to the fun of it though. 

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s something we both enjoy doing.”

The production involves Speer playing all of the characters in this frightening reflection on the paranoia of the 1950s.

With a fear not far from today’s suspicious and untrusting worl, the play echoes many current trepidations felt by many.

A simplistic set design by Ian Macdonald incorporates black and white projections of other characters and backgrounds into the story.

These images, shot by Damien Jenkins, add a scary dimension for both actor and audience.

Speer said being back on stage was something he was looking forward to. 

“It’s different to TV, but I think it’s something all actors love doing,” he said. 

“I’ve always loved being on stage and connecting with an audience.

“This particular production is pretty challenging as far as the role goes. There’s been a lot of lines to learn.

“Hopefully we get good support at the Wagga shows, as well as in Sydney. If that were to happen it is possible we could bring it to Leeton, which I would love to do.”

Speer said his role on Home and Away continued to keep him busy. 

“I’m still really enjoying every moment,” he said.

The Invasion of the Bodysnatchers will play at the Performing Arts Venue at Kooringal High School in Wagga on November 20 at 7.30pm and Saturday November 21 at 2pm.

Tickets are only available at the door for $20 per adult and $10 concession. There will also be a schools performance on FNovember 20 at 11am.

The Sydney show will be held at the NIDA Parade Studio December 8 at 6pm and 8pm.