“At the end of the day, the show’s a comedy but the dementia issue is there.

“The writers treated it well because the parts that are dementia-led are treated fairly.

“We get a clear picture of Nana and what’s in her mind – the character’s bigger then the issue.”

Lucky Numbers is the second Royal Court show for Starke in less than a year.

He appeared in Willy Russell’s Our Day Out at the Liverpool theatre last autumn, and is currently preparing for another high-profile musical role – Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, which tours to the Empire in August.

Michael Ball won an Olivier Award for the role in 2007 and it is currently being played by Brian Connelly.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” says Starke.

“I went to see the producers when Michael Ball was leaving and ironically I went in on the same day as Brian Connelly.

“I thought ‘oh yeah, he’s right for this’ and he told me that he thought I was as well.”

TV comedian Phil Jupitus was originally announced to play the larger-than-life role during the Liverpool dates of the tour, alongside Les Dennis as the loveable, ever-so-slightly crazy joke shop owner Wilbur Turnblad.

But it’ll be the all-Scouse double act instead.

“I start rehearsals in June/July and we open in my home town, which is great,” says Starke.

“It’s something totally different for me.”

LUCKY Numbers is at the Royal Court until April 14.