An actor, dressed as a Greek hero and carrying a sword, took his heroics from stage to street yesterday as he foiled a group of thieves in Edinburgh.

Tom Clews, 20, who plays Greek hero Odysseus in the play The Odyssey, had a £20 note snatched from his hands outside Budget Backpackers on the Cowgate at 10.15 pm.

The boy who stole the money was one of a gang of three teenagers.

It all happened whilst the actor was still “buzzing” after taking the applause from that evening’s performance. Dressed in a loincloth, his bare chest was stained black with a warrior’s tattoo.

Tom said: “Apparently there were some dodgy guys following us. The next thing I knew I was being robbed.”

With no time to think Tom simply did what he does best and acted.

“I followed after them at high-speed and started hurling abuse at them. At first I took a few swings at their legs with my broadsword but then thought better of it—
I didn’t want to get arrested myself.”

During the chase Tom was struck on the head by a glass bottle after one of the gang threw it at him.

“I was so fired up after the performance that it had little effect,” Tom said.

The police arrived quickly at the scene, by which time Tom had caught up with the thieves and had them cornered.

Tom added: “The police said that these guys were wanted for other crimes committed earlier in the evening. I’m just glad I got my money back.” 
 
Tom’s co-star Jessica Tait, who plays Penelope, Odysseus’ faithful wife, said: “It was totally heroic— I’m so proud of him.”

Tom added: “She would say that…she fancies me.”

The Odyssey tells the tale of the Greek hero’s adventures whilst sailing back to his family from the Trojan wars.
    
You can catch Tom and the rest of the Livewire Theatre Company cast in The Odyssey, at Old St Paul’s church, venue 45 until the 18th August.