VANESSA Clarke is one of the leading lights in the current Dukes Theatre production of Abigail's Party, making the role of Angela in Mike Leigh's black comedy one that could have been scripted for her.

But the main thing you notice about Clarke is, well, Clarke herself.

When the description someone lights a room up when they walk into it' is thrown into a conversation that is a statement really describing Vanessa Clarke, actor and former MTV presenter.

Clarke's infectious smile as seen virtually throughout Abigail's Party is as realistic and genuine up close as it appears on stage.

And believe you me, when she enters a room that room stops stone dead although with her own admission that geography is not her strong point, you wonder if she needs a map to get from the Green Room to the stage!

For one more week, she can continue to keep the audience of the Dukes laughing as she The Nailsea-born actor admits the role of the put upon Angela, trying so hard to keep up with the Jones' in a posh, new 1970's neighbourhood, is one she really does relish taking to the Dukes' stage each night.

"It's such a good feeling when you get such a great response from the audience," says Clarke, who has never before visited Lancaster and loves the reaction to the cringe-making comedy.

And she also likes the city, adding: "I am loving Lancaster, I have never been up here before but it is fantastic.

"I have a friend who performed at the Dukes a few years ago and told me just how good it is, not only the theatre but the whole city.

"It is beautiful, there is a real charm about the place and I really mean that it's such a lovely place.

"I was meaning to go back to London every week but I just haven't bothered.

"It is a fantastic place, I love the castle and Williamson Park and the canal. When we started rehearsing we (the cast) would take sandwiches up to the caSTLE and sit in the sun having lunch.

"I walk along the canal and walk past the ducks every morning to get to work and they are like my friends now.

"When I am on the towpath they come straight at me so now I have to have bread or I feel totally guilty walking past them."

That sort of statement could come straight from her character's mouth but Clarke is no ditzy blond.

An accomplished actor Clarke has played Sandy in Grease, Patsy Cline in London's West End and Cosette in Les Miserables.

Add to those credits numerous tours and TV shows including Smack the Pony and her spell as a presenter on MTV.

Says Clarke: "MTV was completely freakish some friends of mine doing a comedy act were asked to do MTV Extra Hot and they just dragged me in on it and I just became a presenter for that little series of sketches. It was fab.

"It's so trendy there with all these trendy people and then there was me just clumping around but it was brilliant fun.

"That was an unusual thing that I never thought I would get to do but I prefer the theatre. I prefer to play a role rather than play myself.

"I love playing Ange, she is charming, she is just so positive. Even though she is exasperating and says all the wrong things she has no idea that she is doing it.

"There is no malice, she is not mean in any way.

"She is the one person who is trying to drive the party forward; she is trying to make it her evening. And that's what I love about her.

"I also love the 70's dress sense in the play. When I went through my wardrobe I was rushing off and telling everyone they had to see my shoes!

"The audience have laughed every single night.

"I thought the 70's were glamorous with the hair and the blue eye shadow."

And what does the future hold for Clarke after Abigail's Party closes on October 16?

"I am working in Norfolk doing a Christmas Spectacular - but I will have to look at a map before I set off.

"I would love to return to Lancaster one day. The place is great. I would love to come back."

I am sure that feeling would be returned by the Dukes audience.