HE HAS performed at arenas in front of tens of thousands and known what it is like to be in the national spotlight.

But this week Lee Latchford Evans, a member of 90s pop sensations Steps, is looking forwards to a different challenge when he goes on stage in St Helens.

Lee is in town as part of the cast of saucy 80s cult comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too, which is running at the St Helens Theatre Royal until February 28.

The tale of love, lust and the ultimate test of friendship boasts a cast list including Micky Finn, Emily Fleeshman and Crissy Rock.

Lee, who takes the role of Bob, is no stranger to musical theatre having starred on the West End in a production of Grease and in Bill Kenwright’s All Creatures Great and Small, but he believes play in a more intimate venue such as the Theatre Royal means he will have to be at the top of his game, promising audiences will see a different edge to him from the days of Steps.

“The thing with theatre is anything can happen and it keeps you on your toes and you have got to be on it,” says Lee.

“With panto it’s a bit freer but although this is a comedy it’s not something where you can make a mistake so it keeps you on your toes and that’s where the training kicks in.”

The performance will be Lee’s Theatre Royal debut and, despite being used to performing in front of massive crowds, Lee says the smaller venues can often be more challenging.

“I’ve had a bit of a mixed experience with performing in huge arenas with Steps and then other gigs where you can see the whites of the audience’s eyes," said Lee.

“You can compare that with theatres and the smaller the venue I tend to up my game whereas when there 20,000 there all you can see is glow sticks. But if you get into your character it doesn’t matter how many people there are. “This is a new style of play for me and it’s going to be my second professional play. There’s going to be a different side to me for this one!.”

Rita, Bob and Sue Too is at the Theatre Royal until Saturday February 28 at 7.30pm with a 2pm showing on the Saturday.

Tickets are £19 each, £18 for concessions, or £15 for the Saturday performance.

Visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com or call 01744 756000.