THERE are actors, the John Waynes of the acting world, who love to play characters that are closer to themselves than the socks they pull on that morning.

However, Jason Manford, having moved from stand-up comedy to acting via musical theatre really prefers the challenge of becoming someone very different.

Yet, Jason’s latest stage appearance – he’s starring in the classic children’s story Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - doesn’t really allow for a metamorphosis.

He maintains his character Caractacus Potts, the dreamer dad who tries to keep his motherless children’s dreams alive is a little bit too like himself.

Well, you can see there are similarities; Potts is a nice guy. Jason Manford is much-loved comedian.

But there’s more of an overlap than audiences would realise.

“Caractacus uses an accent that isn’t far from mine,” says Jason of his Salford voice.

“He’s also an inept father who over compensates for the fact the kids’ mother is not around.

“I’m in a similar situation myself so I find a lot of similarities with me and Caractacus. I find myself over-promising to the kids because you feel guilty, and there are bits missing from your life.”

Jason is referring to his split with his first wife, Catherine, with whom had four children, including twin girls.

“Obviously my ex-wife hasn’t passed away - thank goodness,” he sighs.

“But there is still a feeling of loss and emptiness that you have left over.

“I found a kinship with Caractacus’s sense of loss. That’s why in the story it’s very important this gap is being filled, first by the car and then by Truly Scumptious.”

Jason loves the role, the chance to recreate the part brought to life by Dick Van Dyke in the 1968 film, to make kids in the audience happy.

However, there is a real sense it comes with mixed feelings; in playing the dad who feels his kids don’t have all they should have, it’s a nightly reminder of his own life.

“Yes, I guess I try and find a bit in his life that links into my own life so it looks and feels like it’s coming from a genuine place.”

He adds, laughing; “But at the same time I’ve got to drive around on a hair-cutting machine.”

The 35 year-old comedian says it was easier in many ways to step into his previous musical theatre roles.

“When I played Leo Bloom (in The Producers’, the angst-ridden New Yorker with a whiney Jewish accent ) or Adolfo Pirelli (an Italian barber in Sweeney Todd) those parts were much easier to play because there is a cartoon element to them.

“And when it comes to playing them you can pick all the characteristics you want to use.”

He won over the critics with his performances.

“I did all right,” he says of the Producers experience. “But this show represents a different kind of pressure.

“It’s a family show aimed at kids and families and people who have a real affinity with the film.

He adds, smiling; “You can’t come on and copy Dick Van Dyke, for many reasons.”

There is an added responsibility which comes with the Chitty appearance.

“When I did The Producers with Corey English we were a double act, and Leo was very passive. But this is very much me driving the story forward. Caractacus has to connect with the kids.”

It’s like acting, isn’t it?

“Yes, on a good day it feels like that,” he says, laughing.

“That’s what I love of the part. It goes from these beautiful tender moments to the utterly ridiculous.

“But that’s my life as well. Sometimes I’m genuinely nice - and other times I’m a complete idiot.”

Is he still feeling the sharp gear change that comes from moving from comedy to musical theatre?

“A little bit,” he says. “I think having a couple (of shows) under your belt means when you meet the cast and crew and the ensemble you sort of feel as though you know what you’re doing.

“There is an expectation that as company leader you fulfil a certain role.

“But I do miss stand-up, and I’ll probably do a tour in the next year or so. I’m still a comedian.”

What about missing the kids when on tour?

“Yes, I’ve been talking about it with people in this show and it is difficult. But I guess it’s the same for people who are in the army, or work on an oil rig.

“And I guess I’m sort of used to it as well in the sense it’s a way of life and the kids know this too.

“Having said that, I do come back home on Sundays and Mondays, and when I’m back with them I’m properly back. The phone goes down, and the laptop is locked away.”

The comedian breaks into a loud laugh; “But then within half an hour they’re bored of me.”

Does he really spoil the kids?

“Oh yes, although I’ve calmed it down a bit now. And I have been told off for doing it. But my kids do know how to ask for a new pair of trainers. They’re not daft.”

In recent years, Jason has shown he can act in serious roles, such as BBC1 drama Ordinary Lives.

“You may assume now I’ve done a few shows I might have the pick of the roles but that’s not the case at all. There are lots of shows that put bums on seats anyway and don’t need someone like me.

“However, I’d love to be involved from the beginning with something like a Dr Doolittle. And if Mel (Brooks) came back with a new vision for the Young Frankenstein musical, yes, I’d love to play the Gene Wilder role.”

Jason adds; “I’d like to do a Shakespeare perhaps. I’d love to play against type, maybe go a bit darker.”

Right now, he’s happy to be in Chitty.

“My daughter’s coming to see it tonight (she’s almost two) and she’s thrilled at the idea,” he says in excited voice.

“I would love to be sitting with her watching me in the flying car.”

•Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the King’s Theatre, until October 29.