Many comedians aren't that funny when you catch them off-duty - but that isn't the case with Ross Noble. He's a quip a minute, as JOHN ANSON discovered. . .

INTERVIEWING Ross Noble isn't really possible. Instead, you grab hold of the tail of his comic whirlwind and hang on for dear life.

Unlike many comedians who when removed from the stage are at best monosyllabic and at worst downright surly, the affable Geordie is genuinely funny all the time.

With his lightning-quick mind and surreal train of thought, Noble is one of the hottest comedy properties around.

For the next two months he will be touring the UK with his latest show Noodlemeister.

"It's just a name I came up with," he laughs. "They have got to put something on the posters. If it was me I'd like to change the name every week depending on my mood but I think that would be too confusing."

To be honest it doesn't really matter what the show is called for, as anyone who has seen Ross Noble live will tell you, you never know what to expect.

"I suppose I do have a few basic ideas about the show in my head," he said. "But I very often just go off on a train of thought and that's it.

"I'm sure that half of the audience don't realise that I really am just following a thought sometimes on stage, it's not scripted. I just get an idea and see where it leads."

From dwarves and dolphins to Craig David, Ross Noble weaves his magic over an audience.

His previous show, Unrealtime, proved a sell out in the West End -- and was even broadcast by the BBC as part of a Ross Noble night back in February.

"I knew they were planning on showing Unrealtime but didn't realise I'd take over the whole schedule," he said.

With Noodlemeister the stage set is elaborate.

"Basically it's something cool to stand in front of," he said. "Let's face it, one person standing in front of a black curtain in a big venue isn't exactly thrilling."

With more than two months of constant touring lined up -- including dates in Manchester on Wednesday, Bolton's Albert Halls on June 30 and the Lowry at Salford Quays on July 18 -- does he ever get days off.

"I get the odd day," he said. "But really it's all part of my master plan. I'm a shortbread demon. I love the small packets of biscuits you get left in hotel rooms and this is the only job I can get a regular fix."

Once the current tour ends, Noodlemeister heads into the West End. Then Ross will head North.

"I aim to do the Edinburgh Festival for a week and then take shows to the Highlands and Islands. That will be really interesting -- after playing some grand theatres, to play really small venues.

From there Noble will then head off to Australia for several months -- and he's even threatening to take his own brand of humour to the United States.

"I suppose I'll be disappearing for several months, so if you want to see me, you'd better be quick," he laughed.

With Noodlemeister selling fast, comedy fans have already got the message.

Noodlemeister is at Manchester Opera House on Wednesday. Details from the box office on 0870 401 6000.