Joe McGann takes the lead role of Al in John Godber's comedy April in Paris. McGann became a household name as Charlie Burrows, in the TV comedy series The Upper Hand

Do you have a favourite scene from April in Paris you can share with us?

Not really – it’s a two-hander and I love doing the whole play

Why do you think April in Paris writer, John Godber is so successful?

His astute observations of life of people and relationships, and his obvious affection and appreciation for his chosen subject.

John is an actor himself and he really enjoys the rehearsal process. In a two-hander there is nowhere to hide, but he made it fun.

There is always more than meets the eye with his plays. They look like straight forward comedies but he always manages to attach a few issues and the audience usually has to do a bit of work.

For those who haven't seen the play, what's the plot?

A northern couple, married 28 years, him redundant for nine months, her working in a shoe shop.Struggling to make ends meet. She wins a trip to Paris, which changes their view of the world and each other.

Working with Shobna Gulati from Coronation Street and Dinnerladies must be a blast – is there a memorable moment from this tour that you can share with us?

She’s a true professional, very smart, very talented, and a joy to be on stage with. I’ve loved every minute.

Who is your hero, dead or alive, and why?

Thomas Paine – author of Rights of Man. A self-taught, self motivated and brilliant man – a true champion of the ordinary man.

Tell us about your early days in acting.

I always figured as a young snotty nosed kid from Liverpool, but I needed to be versatile and to be able to say yes to all forms. It’s good to play a varied amount of things. Now, I do musicals, comedies, a lot of different things which suits me perfectly well. I am one of the lucky ones the phone keeps ringing regularly for me.”

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

I’d like to think that it’s still to come. I look forward not back.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My daughter, Lottie – she’s a scream.

What’s next?

A musical – “Elf” playing Walter Hobbs

April in Paris is at Darlington Civic Theatre from October 14 - 18

Box-Office: 01325 486555

darlingtoncivic.co.uk