JASON Manford acknowledges that for six weeks he'll be playing second fiddle to a flying car - and he's delighted at the prospect, writes JOHN ANSON.

The successful stand-up and West End star is playing Caractacus Potts, the madcap inventor in the hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, making its first appearance in the north west at The Lowry, Salford Quays.

"It's wonderful to be part of this show," said Jason. "As Potts I’m never off stage really but it's just such a fun role to play."

The musical is a version of the movie starring Dick van Dyke and it has a special place in many people's hearts.

"What I really like is that the show works on different levels," added Jason. "It works as a pure spectacle alone and it works because you remember the original. But then it’s also got this special thing as well.

"There is an extra nostalgia attached to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. You remember who you were with when you saw the film for the first time, usually either your parents or grandparents and those memories are still very strong.

"That's really clear when I reveal Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for first time. There’s often a round of applause and then when she flies for the first time there’s a huge cheer. I really like that, I like how much the audience buys into the show."

Manchester-born Jason is particularly happy that the show will be at The Lowry over the Christmas period.

"That was one of the reasons I signed up for it," he said. "I wanted to make sure I was rooted at Christmas."

He will also have a 'lodger' while the show is in Manchester - his co-star Phill Jupitus who plays Baron Bomburst.

"Phil's living with me but that will be all right - he’s a good cook. He's got to earn his keep," laughed Jason.

For someone who hasn't a traditional musical theatre background, Jason has made a name for himself in hit musicals. Before Chitty Chitty Bang Bang he starred in a version of The Producer and also appeared in Sweeney Todd.

So does having a background in stand-up help him?

“When I went for the chat with the director he was really interested in me being able to change the timing on things depending on the reaction of the audition,” he explained. “That’s something which actors may not have, being able to adapt to situations.

“You’ve got the car, all these props, you have children - anything could happen. I hope that the rest of the cast feel like they are in safe hands as nothing is really going to throw me.

“You can’t descend into chaos and you have to keep your ego in check, but I do think stand-up helps with this.”

Given that Jason is part of a cast you might think he would find a being in a musical a little restrictive compared to a stand-up show.

“Actually I feel it makes you more creative in a way,” he said. “You have been given a certain set of boundaries with a script and direction and other people on stage and a musical underscore but it’s then about what you do with the moments that can be played with. I find it more creative than going on stage and doing what you want for an hour.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been touring the UK all year and at the Lowry it will pass 300 performances. Jason will be notching up his 200th performance with the show having had a break earlier in the year.

“That's a lot of shows to do,” he said, “but the audience are the variable, that’s what keeps it fresh.”

As a dad of four, Jason feels he has things in common with Caractacus Potts.

“Potts is a single dad who is a bit inept. He’s trying his best but things go wrong and I can feel that myself sometimes,” he said.

Jason believes that the appeal of the show is much more than its flying, four-wheeled star.

“It’s the story of a family who have lost their mother and have that void in their life filled by the magic of this car,” he said. “When I look out on to audience they are so spread out from grandparents to children and they all find something to connect with the show.

“It’s such a lovely thing to be part of.”

After the Lowry, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will end its run in Bristol in February.

“I'd love it to head to the West End,” said Jason. “It will be its 50th anniversary in 2018 so it would be lovely to do something with it then but who knows?

“Next year I’m going to take a bit of time off. Whenever I’ve been on tour I like to take two or three months off and spend time with the kids

“And I'll probably do some stand up. I've not done a stand-up tour for two or three years.”

Jason will also be hosting a new ITV game show starting in April called Big Heads.

But his focus for the next few weeks will be on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

“It’s such a classy show,” he said. “It is a genuine West End show but the great thing is you don’t have to travel down to London to see it.”

n Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at The Lowry until Sunday, January 15. Box office from 0843-208-6000.