PERHAPS the ultimate 1980s heart-throb, Jason Donovan is no stranger to the musical theatre stage.

But his latest role as Captain Von Trapp in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound Of Music is somewhat far removed from previous outings.

He’s played the freakish Frank in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the charm of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the noughties high-camp of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert — his most recent musical role — and the madcap dad in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

And it’s another quite different paternal role which brings him back to the North West to Manchester’s Palace Theatre in the autumn tour of The Sound Of Music.

“Captain Von Trapp’s very stern, regimented, his wife has just passed away and he’s not a poor man.

"Then Maria comes in and breaks his world, makes him understand the human side of his personality,” he said.

“The character is a very different person to myself, and that’s probably one reason why I've taken the job,” Jason said.

“Also, it’s a quality show. At my age I like to get involved with productions that challenge me and that I believe in.

“It couldn’t have been further from Priscilla, so I’m very lucky that people believe in my abilities and not the stereotype.”

Jason’s currently enjoying a summer break from the role, after six months on the road, before joining forces in Cardiff with the nation's Maria, Connie Fisher, as she returns to the role she won in BBC's 2006 talent search show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria.

But he's still performing, joining the Here And Now 1980s revival tour at various venues.

“After six months with The Sound Of Music, Here And Now's only 10 days, so it's not what I would call particularly gruelling work,” he said.

“Singing your own songs for half an hour on stage is a pleasure. Performing for two-and-a-half hours, eight times a week is demanding.

“I love both, but to do three shows then have two days off is a lot easier than eight in a week.

“When I go back to The Sound Of Music, it's just Cardiff and Manchester.

"I don't think I could do more than another four weeks — it wasn't part of the contract but the tour had gone so well, six months has been satisfying in terms of work.”

With three children at home, Jemma, 10, Zach, nine, and baby Molly, born in March, Jason admits working has got harder as he gets into his 40s.

“I want to do challenging roles, which can mean you're on the road,” he said.

“To grow as a performer, you can't just be where you want to be every week.

"But this is a 'number one tour', like an A-list celebrity, so that means it's really good.” * The Sound Of Music is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, from September 6 to September 17. £13.50 – £43.50. More information at the website below.