The North-East’s premier comedian Gavin Webster may be better known for his confrontational style of stand-up comedy, but he recently revealed his versatility by spreading his wings into the world of acting.

The Newcastle-based funny man, who performs at Glee in Oxford on Saturday night, clipped his wings in the current series of Starlings on Sky 1.

The critically-acclaimed comedy drama has an embarrassment of comedy riches in the show produced by Steve Coogan, while the series also features the considerable acting talents of Lesley Sharp, Brendan Coyle and Rebecca Night.

And with Webster now in the Starlings’ nest, the production team have another extraordinary feather in their cap.

The Geordie humorist revealed he was cast for the part after meeting up with one of the writers, Steve Edge. I've got a lot in common with him and he's a good laugh. I was in Walk on the Wild Side with him and he asked if I’d like to play the role of this character and I said yes. “It was as simple as that. There was no auditioning or biting my nails waiting for a call back.”

Webster has built up a reputation on the comedy circuit as a hard-hitting stand-up, pulling no punches, whether discussing the social, political or cultural climate of the world.

But has the former Bard of Blaydon changed direction; consigned his punk ethics to the waste basket of cultural history; become a luvvy and gone all respectable now that he’s has joined the thespian fraternity?

“Not really,” said Webster, chuckling at the thought, “I play a character called Martin. He’s a crazy Geordie loner who writes dark sadistic poetry on a creative writing course. So there you go, it’s art imitating my life; my integrity remains intact.

“I get to behave like a bloke who looks like he's got a shady past. You know, like, ‘where have you buried all the bodies, mate?’ I had to do a lot of staring, nodding and laughing sarcastically, which is a particular skill of mine, as it happens,” Gavin laughs.

In the past, Webster has appeared on popular TV panel shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and, although the Wallsend wit once appeared in a sketch show, his appearances in Starlings are the first tentative steps he’s taken in a serious acting role.

The 43-year-old comic said it was a hugely enjoyable experience and admitted he would welcome further opportunities to act, although he is rather modest about his theatrical ability.

“My experience on Starlings was very different to what I’m used too,” confessed Webster. “There were very long days, waiting around and doing a scene, time and time and time again, although the catering was very nice.

“But, if I was asked, I'd gladly do it again.

“It was great to make my acting debut and play a bloke like that: a sort of Andy McNab/ Alfred Hitchcock wannabe with a Geordie accent.”

Webster also recently teamed up with former Fast Show star John Thomson in a new BBC Radio 4 sketch based show, The Show What You Wrote. “John was great fun, full of wit and a good raconteur,” Gavin says. “He was doing loads of anecdotes, impressions and held court with all sorts of trivia when we're supposed to be working. “He’s like a modern day Peter Ustinov, with a northern accent. I've worked with some high profile actors and, believe me, a good chunk of them have got nowt to say about anything. But working with John wasn't even like coming to work, it was such good crack.”

“I reckon he should be the next Dr Who. I've no interest in the fictional Time Lord character but I'd watch it if John was doing the part.”

As for Gavin, he hasn’t forgotten where his heart lies: “I'll leave the proper acting to the proper actors,” he says, before returning to his preparations for Saturday’s stand-up gig.

SEE IT Gavin Webster will be appearing at Oxford’s Glee Club on Saturday. Age restriction: 18+. Call the box office on 0871 472 0400 or see glee.co.uk/oxford