STAGE star Michael Ball will appear in a major new production of classic Broadway musical Mack & Mabel.

Direct from its premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre, it will hit the road for a UK and tour — calling into the Opera House, Manchester, from Monday, October 12, to Saturday, October 24.

The double Oliver award-winning star will appear as Mack Sennett — the great comedy director of the silent screen.

Based on the real-life romance between Hollywood legends Mack and Mabel Normand, it tells the story of a group of pioneering filmmakers who changed the world surrounded by the great fun of the silent screen — heroes in capes, girls tied to the tracks, glamorous bathing beauties and the chaos of the Keystone Kops.

Speaking of his forthcoming stint at the Manchester venue, Michael said: “It gave me my big break in Pirates of Penzance in 1985 when I performed at the Opera House.

"To be returning with a show I’m just so excited about seems ideal."

The 52-year-old singer, comedian and musical theatre actor has appeared in stage hits including Les Misérables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Hairspray, for which he won the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Over Christmas, he was seen on television screens in Victoria Wood's BBC television drama That Day We Sang, which reunited him with Sweeney Todd co-star Imelda Staunton.

He is currently on the road with his If Everyone Was Listening tour, in support of his solo album which was released in November.

The multi-platinum recording artist will appear at the Bridgewater Hall on Saturday, April 18.

If Everyone Was Listening features 15 tracks chosen by Michael to include a mix of individual classics, award winners and contemporary songs spanning the years 1960 to 2013.

For more than 25 years Michael has been at the top of his game starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career.

Further casting for Mack & Mabel will be announced in the coming months for the show which features a score by Jerry Herman — widely admired for its classic Broadway hits including I Won’t Send Roses and Time Heals Everything.

Billed as a dazzling musical comedy which is both a poignant love story and a riveting tribute to the grit and glamour of the era of silent movies, it received eight Tony Award nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1974.

The production is directed by Jonathan Church, design is by Robert Jones and choreography by Stephen Mear.

Mack & Mabel will be at the Manchester Opera House from Monday, October 12, to Saturday, October 24.

Tickets are on sale now, call the box office on 0844 871 3018.