IT'S a riotous comedy about sardines - and John Elkington is loving every minute of his bizarre stint in Noises Off.

The actor, who has an impressive stage CV to his name as well as a list of soap credits, is appearing to rave reviews in a month long run playing Frederick Fellows at Nuffield.

It's his second Southampton stint, having appeared in Chekhov's The Seagull in 2013 under the same director, Nuffield associate Blanche McIntyre.

"There are absolutely no similarities between the two," John laughs as he takes a break from rehearsals.

"I don't know what Blanche saw in me in The Seagull, but she offered me Freddy. I really didn't expect to get it, especially as he's a bit younger than me. I thought I was more in the Selsdon bracket these days who is an old drunkard! Freddy's great, he doesn't always get things right, but his heart is in the right place.

"But it's one of those shows that you know about and would love to be involved in. It was definitely on the bucket list."

John is loving being part of an unruly comedy.

"It's just so nice to hear people laugh and people laugh a lot!

"It's hot and sweaty and I end up wet through and slipping and sliding around the stage, but it's such a lot of fun to do.

"I think comedy is my forte as my timing ability is good, although I do also like a musical as I've always been in bands and play guitar and ukelele."

Noises Off serves up a glimpse in to the onstage and offstage antics of a touring company as they hurtle towards a diabolical first night and a disastrous final performance.

A shambolic dress rehearsal stumbles towards a frantic opening night in Weston-Super-Mare, then it’s downhill all the way to the Municipal Theatre in Stockton-on-Tees. Can Selsdon stay sober long enough to make curtain-up, will Brooke ever find her contact lenses, and as egos, jealousy and romance intertwine, will the sardines be the final undoing for poor Dotty?

So has John ever experienced anything like the on stage mishaps suffered in the legendary farce?

"Things happen and go askew quite often, but by the time you come off stage you've almost forgotten about it because you're doing your shop and are wrapped up in it. I've had sets fall down and we've already had a door handle incident in this one, which meant I couldn't actually get back on. You've got to think on the hoof sometimes!

"Having said that, there's no way you can wing your performance in this. Timing is everything. It's a real ensemble show where everyone depends on everyone else. It requires a lot of concentration and for you to look out for each other. You can't drop the axe or the sardines!"

John will be taking some time off for a knee operation when Noises Off closes after damaging it just four days into rehearsals.

He will be playing the Dame in Nottingham Playhouse's panto for the 18th year running this Christmas.

Noises Off runs until Saturday June 25.

Tickets: 023 8067 1771 or visit nuffieldtheatre.co.uk