Globe theatre reviewer Peter Grant talks to the star of 'The Star' - the Liverpool Playhouse Christmas Production.

MICHAEL Starke is bursting out ... from posters, that is, all over Merseyside.

You cannot walk past a billboard, train carriage or station escalator wall without seeing a top-hatted Mr Starke smiling and inviting you back in time to the theatre.

''It is going to be an evening of mesmerising merriment, all manner of back-stage deception, theatre skullduggery - magic and mayhem'', says Michael, who celebrated his 59th birthday in November and plays 'the Chairman' in the show.

I joined him for a pre-festive drink in that most theatrical of pubs - Ma Egerton's be-decked with photographs of the legendary stage greats.

The much-loved former Brookside actor sportng natty cap and warm overcoat is spotted by fans. He is ever ready with a cheery smile.

After playing Brookside for 16 years he appeared in TV's The Royal and in Coronation Street.

This year he will be treading the boards just down the road from the Royal Court where he usually performs in their Christmas offering.

For the next five weeks he will be appearing with the very versatile Eithne Browne - a fellow thespian from Brookie.

He said: "It's a departure of sorts.

"It has been tough, but very rewarding - the cast are superb."

Wirral Globe:

Cast photograph of 'The Star'

Michael is thrilled about the sparkling new work by Wirral playwright Michael Wynn who won awards for his play The Knocky about Birkenhead.

He continued: "The Star is packed with singalong numbers. It will tell people of of the theatre's history.

"Music Hall was the forerunner of Britain's Got Talent.''

In the past, Liverpool FC fan Michael has relished roles in panto such as Cinderella in Southport and in Aladdin during Christmas 2006 - along with comedian Syd Little, in York.

Other dramas have seen the talented Mr Starke play Oliver Hardy.

He said he woud have loved to have been around during the Music Hall era, adding "That's my type of showbusiness".

I suggest to him that the multi-talented Starke clan are Liverpool's answer to the Von Trapps.

Michael sighs: "Oh no we're not - but we would love to work together.

"I am very proud of all of them.

"We all have a great philosophy - it's not who you know but what you know."

His wife Lynn Francis is an accomplished actress and now a playwright.

Daughter Hayley Hampson is a singer and actress and his other daughter Jamie is an actress.

Miichael said: "I have a new agent and I am really looking forward to and am excited about 2017."

In recent years he has starred in many touring productions of West End musicals, including playing the role of Edna Turnblad in the first UK tour of Hairspray and originating the role of Monsignor Howard in Sister Act the musical.

He also made appearances in Anything Goes and Our Day Out.

He has a real affection for The Playhouse - making his debut there in Cavern of Dreams and later appearing in Willy Russell's Our Day Out.

Apart from Mr Wynne, Wirral also plays another part in Michael's career.

He revealed: "I was looking for a stage name and saw a poster and  the name Graham Stark - the fantastic Wallasey-born actor was emblazoned on it.

"I just added an E."

A star was born.

Before we depart, Michael had this special festive message.

''Can I wish the Wirral Globe readers a very happy and safe Christmas  and a brilliant New Year Come across the River and see us all in The Star.''

Bravo, Mr Starke.

The Star is at Liverpool Playhouse until January 14.

Tickets from the box office: 0151 709 4776