THERE is a certain amount of irony attached to Robert Duncan's memorable role of Gus Hedges in Channel 4's cult comedy Drop the Dead Donkey.

Whereas Gus was the flash executive with no understanding of the world of media, famous for his boardroom clichs, Duncan is a straight talking man who started out as a journalist.

And it is with some amusement that he reflects on that fact, but insists his acting has no bearing on his time working as a junior on the Cornish Guardian.

Although he admits working on the topical news comedy brought out some of the old journalistic instincts in him.

I didn't model Gus on anyone I know, he said. But there was a strange correlation between my background and the role, and I used to find myself anticipating what news items would be used in the show.

Once you're a journalist that sort of thinking never leaves you.

But the actor, who also trained to be a

teacher before entering a career in drama, is now set to star in another play which addresses the topical issues of today.

And while the television show was a tongue-in-cheek poke at the rich and powerful, Duncan is now starring in a comedy which "tackles'' the taboo subject of vasectomies.

Twenty years after scripting it, Alan Bleasdale has re-written his play Having a Ball, and brought the comedy bang up to date at the expense of the NHS and a host of other subjects.

It's been very well received in Birmingham, said Duncan, who also became a household face playing Peter Hayes in BBC One's drama Casualty.

It's very relevant to today but it also has some very, very funny parts.

I'm enjoying performing in the show although the character I play isn't a very nice person.

I'm working with a very strong cast and am pleased to be back in theatre as I'm quite passionate about it. It's where you can learn and improve your craft."

For more information on the show, being performed at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre between next Monday and Saturday, contact the box office on 01242 572573. Tickets cost between £6 and £16.