Dave Willetts is bright and breezy, full of fun and pleased with his current tour Hollywood and Broadway.

"This is such a feelgood show. It starts off on Broadway with all the popular songs from the musicals, and covers Hollywood from Jolson right up to date," he said.

His enthusiasm is obvious, as is his respect for his co-star, Grace Kennedy.

"We had never met before this show, yet within half an hour it was like we had known each other for years.

On stage it's like we have a sixth sense. It's fantastic, Grace knows my moves instinctively and this ease of working together allows your personalities to come through."

Dave came to the nation's notice in 1985 when he played the lead role of Jean Val Jean in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Les Miserables, directed by Trevor Nunn, in the West End.

He then went on to play the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.

"Over the years I've cornered the market in tortured souls!" he laughed.

"That's why I like this tour, it's a review of favourite numbers from show stopping shows. Grace is great and we have six dancers and singers with us. There are no costumes or sets, it's just great music and of course lots of glamour from Grace."

Hollywood and Broadway tours until December 15, stopping at Fairfield on Wednesday, November 28.

This gives Dave time to be at home in Warwickshire for Christmas.

A devoted family man, over the last 20 years of his successful career he has always tried to be at home for the festive celebrations.

"Only once was I cajoled into doing panto, I was Captain Hook to Toyah Wilcox's Peter Pan, and we had a ball, but I love being with my family best."

His family is his wife Lyn, who teaches dyslexic children, and daughters Kerry, who is a nursery nurse and Leanne, who has caught the theatre bug and is playing Jack, in a production of Jack and the Beanstalk this year.

Next in line for Dave is a national tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

"I'm really looking forward to that.

It's coming to Croydon in March, and I'm playing Adam the role made so famous by Howard Keel.

"No more angst! This is a happy part with the jolly Bless Your Beautiful Hide and fun and romance."