Comedian Jim Bowen is an established star, accustomed to performing for huge audiences. So why is he about to appear in a local production to a relative handful of people? He explained all of CAROLINE INNES. . .

TV STAR Jim Bowen is more used to starring in front of the camera for audiences of millions in the quiz show Bullseye and more recently alongside Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights.

Now Accrington-born Jim is travelling back to his East Lancashire roots to top the bill in a Christmas special variety show at Darwen's Library Theatre on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4.

The little local theatre can only seat 200, so the audience will be treated to an intimate show, which Jim describes as more like speaking to someone in your living room than performing on stage.

He is also passionate about local theatre and believes it is an important tradition that must be kept going at all costs.

He said: "This is going to be a real old-time variety show in the true sense of the word.

"I am topping the bill because I have the shortest name and I'll be doing my stand-up routine which is full of the old jokes -- in fact some of my jokes are so old I will be telling them in Latin.

"It will be a cracking show with lots of laughs and I am looking forward to coming back to the area as after all I am a local lad.

"I am also very involved with this theatre. I love live shows and this one promises to be a real Christmas cracker."

Appearing alongside Jim, will be compere Donald Banks, singer Ken Nicholson and young performer James Loynes, who Jim discovered on his Radio Lancashire show and describes as an unbelievable talent.

Jim said: "You can forget your Jamie Cullum and Michael Bubl -- this kid is awesome. He will be singing lots of Sinatra classics and I know he will blow the audience away with his vocal ability."

But, more importantly, Jim wants to encourage the people of East Lancashire to come and support their local theatre. He added: "It is a beautiful theatre and it is good to hear that it is still doing so well when so many others throughout the county are facing closure or were shut down years ago.

"We have to work really hard to publicise our shows and keep variety alive.

"This is part of our tradition and nothing beats a live show. I would really recommend it to anyone -- it will be fantastic two-and-a-half hours and a great way to kick of Christmas.

"People should book a couple of tickets as a Christmas gift to friends because not only will it support this little theatre but it will be the best present they get this year."

Tickets can be reserved by calling 01254 706006 at a cost of £8 per person and £7 for concessions.