LET'S make one thing clear, the Darren Bennett who stars in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Theatre Royal next week has nothing to do with Strictly Come Dancing. For a start, this Darren has blond hair. Of course, he can dance, but he also sings and acts.

"His (the other Darren) profile is much higher than mine," said the 42-year-old who plays madcap inventor Caractacus Potts, "even though mine is known in the theatre more than his.

"But I am more concerned that the audience will come along thinking they are going to see Darren Bennett from Strictly Come Dancing – hopefully, they won't go away disappointed."

Knowing Chitty from the West End, with all its spectacle, colour and catchy music, there is little chance of that.

Since this new tour began last June, the show, and Darren, have been attracting rave reviews. "You walk out of the theatre feeling happy and elated – apparently," said Darren. "I don't. I walk out backstage feeling absolutely drained!

"One song, Me Old Bamboo, is like a five- minute aerobics session."

It is a tough part for any performer, what with sharing a stage with kids and animals – traditional opponents for any actor – and a car that flies.

"The car is an inanimate object, so it is brought to life by the cast. That is my lynchpin, but it's such fun and I love the car to pieces. I love flying in the car, it's amazing.

"At one point, when we get to the edge of the cliff, it is vertically hanging above the stage.

"There is like a silence of disbelief, because the car is revealed before it actually flies, you see it crossing along and driving... they never actually foresee it coming. I have had these conversations with the audience, asking them if they can see the mechanics and they are completely oblivious to how it works.

"Although, we had one woman who came back stage and said 'I want to complain, I can see the wires' – but there are no wires on the car."

Although he has appeared in shows like Singing In The Rain, Crazy For You and Hot Shoe Shuffle, Darren views Chitty has a new high point in his career.

He put his name forward to producer Michael Rose for the role that has been played by Michael Ball, Gary Wilmot and Jason Donovan, with more hope than expectation.

"I said I would like to be considered for it – 'do I stand a chance, because obviously you are going to put a name into that role?'"

But he got an invite to audition – in front of a panel of about 10 people. "I didn't know who to play to, who was important. Then it dragged on until, finally, I got that phone call.

"The chance to play a part done by Gary Wilmot, Jason Donovan, all those celebs, was just a dream come true.

"We started last June and are on the road until September, a 15-month run, and there are plans to carry it on.

"Basically, I get paid for mucking around on stage and I am having so much fun I would love to stay with it, if they will keep me."