James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader and a star of the American stage, has paid tribute to British theatre on his return to the West End after 30 years.

Back in town: James Earl Jones has enjoyed Othello and War Horse in London

In contrast to other actors who have criticised UK theatregoers for being noisy and using mobile phones, Jones said: “British audiences — and London audiences — have a great respect for language and words and are excellent listeners.”

Speaking at the first night party for the all-black cast production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Paramount club in Centrepoint, the 78-year-old actor described the respect for theatre as similar to that observed in church.

He also praised other shows, saying he could not believe that Lenny Henry was a stage newcomer in Othello. “I loved the production for its clarity,” he said. He admired the way War Horse captured even the breathing and the fear of horses.

Jones told how his return to London in the part of Big Daddy, meant “a great deal” to him. He last presented a one-man show on the singer Paul Robeson in the capital.

Adrian Lester, his British co-star who plays Big Daddy's alcoholic son, Brick, said acting with Jones was like improvising Tennessee Williams every night.

“It's working with someone at the top of his game, physically, intellectually and emotionally,” he said. “I want to be him at 78.”