THE name Ben Elton conjures up comedy with the speed of a bullet and some of the funniest TV sitcoms around.

Just think Blackadder, The Thin Blue Line and The Young Ones and you're getting the picture; not to mention stage hits such as Popcorn and best selling novels to boot.

Now the alternative comic with a serious side is set to make Blackpool audiences breathless this month with his latest sensational production, Gasping.

The Citizen spoke to veteran actor Neil Stacy (pictured on the left with David Haig) on his involvement with the big-mouthed talent with the golden touch.

"It's extremely cleverly written and there are some very good jokes, but it's thought provoking, too ,which is what makes it so interesting," he said.

"I play Sir Chiffley Lockheart who is the sort of person who describes himself as 'richer than God' so you get the idea he's quite unpleasant -- but those roles are always so much more fun to play aren't they?

"He comes up with the idea with his evil friend Philip to charge for air, much like bottled water, and so the pair go gently mad while people suffocate. "And that's what Ben does, he writes parables for the modern age that are full of wonderfully funny lines. But sadly he's been unable to see it in it's full glory yet as he's busy making a Hollywood film and his wife has just given birth to twins, but you never know.

"Plus we have found with this tour that it brings a much younger audience to the theatre, even in places where I've found things a bit sticky before."

And Neil knows what he's talking about having toured the country many times with hit shows such as Blithe Spirit, Entertaining Mr Sloane, A Room With A View and the stage version of TV comedy hit Duty Free which Neil was involved in for three series and which actually brought him to Blackpool.

"I think it was in the late 80s and I do remember it was a lovely theatre so it will be nice to get a second look."

Gasping opens at Blackpool Grand Theatre on May 1 at 8pm and runs until May 6 with Tuesday to Thursday performances at 7.30pm, plus Friday and Saturday shows at 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

For tickets from £8 call the box office on (01253) 290190 for further details.