PRESTON Nyman is getting used to conjuring up magic potions as George in a new stage production of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine.

But as he prepares to come to Manchester with the show next week, although he’s become used to talking chickens and giant animals, he’s still amazed by a trick the show pulls off every night.

“It does bring the child out in everyone,” he said. “It is amazing. no matter how old the members of the audience are, everyone is just captivated by it.”

The colourful show is based on one of Roald Dahl’s most popular stories about a young boy who suspects his cruel, bug eating grandma might be a witch.

“This is a really dark tale,” said Preston, “It’s amazing to have a family show that is so surprisingly weighty. I think decorated with all the craziness around it you get away with a lot.

“Everyone seems to love Roald Dahl,” he said. “The majority of our audience are parents with younger kids but quite often we do get older parents coming with their children who are now in their 20s.

“People don’t disguise it at all, they come because they love the story.

“At one of our early shows I was really touched as there was a woman in her 30s with her mum in the front row and they were loving it. It was clearly a special thing for them to see the show together.”

George is Preston’s first stage role.

“It’s not a bad way to start is it?” he laughed. “But I was a little bit terrified when I went into rehearsals. Every day for me has been a learning experience.”

Preston believes his experiences as a children’s entertainer have helped him settle into the role.

“I do dabble a bit in doing magic,” he said. “I’ve done a few kids parties when I was 14 to earn a bit of money and bizarrely that’s proved to be really useful.”

Preston has also performed some stand-up comedy and, again, he has found the experience helpful.

“Pretty much all of the first half involves George talking directly to the audience,” he said. “It’s all about audience management - knowing what people will respond to and how to connect with every member of the audience.

“You have to be prepared for anything.”

That direct connection with the audience is something Preston has come to enjoy.

“It sounds clichéd but it is that immediacy of the theatre,” he said. “I have done a bit of film and TV work which I love but sometimes you have to wait a year before you get any kind of response. This is immediate.

“You get to play off and play with an audience which is such a fun challenge.”

The show started off in Leicester at Christmas and Preston is having to get used to touring.

“My official answer is it’s great to see all these places in the UK I’ve not been to before,” he said. “Unofficially my answer is that’s all true but it can be lonely. I’m still getting used to it.

“But there isn’t a single show I haven’t enjoyed doing. I love getting out there and being able to connect with over 1,000 people every night.”

George’s Marvellous Medicine, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, February 20 to Saturday, February 24. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com