THEATRE and TV audiences know him best as a bit of a loveable rogue, but Paul Nicholas will be showing a darker side to his nature in Southampton next year.

The popular actor, still best known for playing Vince in 80s sitcom Just Good Friends, is both the star and co-producer of Jekyll and Hyde - The Musical, which comes to The Mayflower in April next year.

The show, visiting Southampton as part of its UK premiere, features music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and has already been a big hit on Broadway.

"I was looking for a show to take on tour. I did Fiddler on the Roof last year and someone suggested I might like to try Jekyll and Hyde," explained Paul, whose production company, Paul Nicholas and David Ian Associates, is producing the show with UK Productions.

"It's quite a departure for me, although I have just played a transsexual in a tour of Eric Chappell's comedy Mixed Feelings, which was basically playing two parts.

"It's quite an interesting idea and there are some wonderful songs in it, such as This Is the Moment and Once Upon a Dream."

Based on the much-filmed 19th century novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, the musical tells the story of a scientist, Dr Jekyll, whose experiments to separate man's evil aspect from his good lead to him unwittingly unleashing his dark side in the shape of the maniacal Edward Hyde.

Despite the love of his beautiful fiancee Emma, Jekyll is unable to stop himself entering the lowlife world of Victorian London.

"It's a great old yarn, and a story that everyone knows," said Paul, who Mayflower audiences will also be seeing at Christmas playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan.

One thing audiences will be desperate to know is how the transformation between Jekyll and Hyde will be achieved.

"I haven't worked it out yet, but it says in the book that he becomes slightly ape-like. I certainly won't be dropping down behind the furniture - that would be a bit too pantomimic!"

Jekyll and Hyde - The Musical is at The Mayflower, Southampton from April 18-23, 2005.

For tickets call the Mayflower box office on 023 8071 1811.