GAVIN Mitchell has played a few exotic characters over the years in theatre.

His quadriplegic Elvis in Cooking With Elvis comes to mind, as does his crazed, rambling local radio DJ in Tutti Frutti.

And more recently, he's been playing Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca.

However, now he's playing, perhaps, the role he was born to play, the supreme being. No, he's not God. He's the President of Earth.

"And not before time," says the 47-year-old, smiling.

Gavin, who played Boaby the barman in cult sitcom Still Game, plays the President in a new cannibal space comedy Cannibal Women Of Mars, the big summer show at Glasgow's Tron Theatre.

With music by Belle and Sebastian's Mick Cooke, and storyline by Gordon Davidson and Alan Wilkinson, it's part satire, part Fifties 'B' movie, and with lots of laughs.

Set in 2113, it tells the story of Jaxxon McGhee and Largs Lido, two young unemployed virgins who hear the women on Mars are going out of their minds because there aren't enough men to fulfil their needs. So the likely lads set off for the red planet in the hope of enjoying red hot fun, and are delighted when they meet up with local babes, Yasmin and Pippa.

But little do they know they have been the victims of a new Earth social political policy – send the jobless into space to get rid them.

What the boys also don't know is the Martian girls, who control the planet, eat Earth boys for breakfast. Literally.

"I loved the title – the idea for the show is right up my street," says Gavin. "And I like the fact the Tron's summer programme is usually brave. Plus, I get to play the President – who's going to refuse that role? – who's a genocidal maniac and has these shady deals going on with the Queen of Mars.

"What we discover later on is how did these women make it to Mars in the first place, and what turned them into cannibals. It all sort of makes sense."

There are several musical styles in evidence, from light opera to rock 'n' roll to reggae. "It's been demanding," says Gavin. "This is my first musical. And there are 23 new songs in the production so there has been lots to learn. But that's the challenge of it all."

HE adds: "I get to do a Barry White-type number but no Elvis this time around. There was talk of making the President of Earth Elvis. But we thought no.

"We didn't want to cross the lines. And anyway, Elvis is the King. Not the President.

"And the music is fantastic. It really creates a great mood."

Designer Kenny Miller brings all his experience to bear to produce Mars on stage, with space rockets.

"Mars is in fact a little bit sleazy," says Gavin. "It's like it's turned into Soho and become a bit tacky over the years."

Gavin, who plays a range of characters, including an obese space traveller, a doctor and an Amazonian Martian woman, is one of the most in-demand actors in the business, continually working in theatre and, of course, panto.

"Life is good," he says. "Work keeps pouring in, although I could do with a wee break."

And you almost feel sorry for the actor who grew up in the city's East End, until he reveals he's just back from Barbados.

He and the cast of Morag Fullerton's cut-down version of Casablanca, Jimmy Chisholm and Claire Waugh, flew out to give a performance in Jodie Kidd's mother's plantation garden, 'a beautiful natural amphitheatre.'

"We were sponsored by Virgin Airlines, and had a chance to perform one show as part of the island's music and arts festival.

"It was incredible. In fact, one night after rehearsals, we wandered down to a beach bar, which looked like a scene from a Bounty advert, to enjoy a coconut daiquiri.

"Just as I enjoyed that first sip I heard a voice from behind me: 'Awright, Boaby! Should you no' be the other side of the bar?' It was a guy from Troon. You think you've left Maryhill behind you, but no ..."

So is the Cannibal Women storyline a metaphor for our lives, in that women are the stronger sex, who can ultimately devour men if they so choose?

Gavin says: "Can't say if the boys get to have fun with the girls. That would spoil it for you. As for women controlling men and holding the sexual power? Oh, I think there are truths in this script that many will recognise."

Cannibal Women of Mars also stars Fiona Ross, Mark Prendegast, Helen McAlpine, and Darren Brownlie.

l Cannibal Women of Mars, The Tron Theatre, until July 20.