Crossword Genius

Theatre upset erstwhile actor (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

performer

'actor' is the definition.
(actor is a type of performer)

'theatre upset erstwhile' is the wordplay.
'theatre' becomes 'rep' (repertory theatre).
'upset' says the letters should be written backwards.
'erstwhile' becomes 'former' (synonyms).
'rep' back-to-front is 'per'.
'per'+'former'='PERFORMER'

(Other definitions for performer that I've seen before include "Such as a musician or actor" , "player" , "artist" , "star?" , "Entertainer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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