When the curtains go up on the UK premiere of High School Musical Two Live at New Wimbledon Theatre this Saturday one of the calmest heads in the building will be that of Les Dennis.

The actor and game show host plays country club manager Mr Fulton and is by far and away the oldest cast member, surrounded by eager youngsters barely out of drama school.

"I feel like the token oldie in the show but I am very excited about it," says the 55-year-old.

"For many of them it's their first job out of drama school and for Liam Doyle it's his first job ever.

"The first day we got into the theatre they were all running around the dressing rooms and enjoying it."

Doyle won a contest on GMTV to play the lead part of Troy Bolton despite not having any professional training and Dennis says the 18-year-old has taken to the role like a duck to water.

"It's like art imitating life as he is a lot like Troy," he says.

"At school he was the football star and plays golf off a nine handicap and when he has to play basketball in the show he nets everything."

Dennis may not seem like your typical High School Musical fan and he admits to having known little about the franchise.

"I didn't know anything about it before this came along," he says.

"I knew kids were really into it and I was aware of the phenomenon but it's one of those things that passed me by.

"Once I knew I was playing Fulton I watched the second film but only once as I wanted to do the character my way.

"He tries to be the bad guy but is too nice underneath and eventually tells Sharpay what he thinks."

Dennis is most widely known as the host of Family Fortunes for 15 years and he is still a fan of the show now hosted by Vernon Kay.

"I think he does a great job," he says.

"When he took over I called him to wish him luck as Bob Monkhouse did the same to me, it was like passing on the baton.

"I watch it and enjoy it now but it was a bit strange at first having worked on it for so long."

Dennis admits he had some funny answers during his time as host, including:

Name a bird with a long neck: Naomi Campbell

Name a TV soap: Dove

Name a parisian landmark: Hawaii

"Those answers were what I used to thank the TV gods for as they are what kept the show funny," he says.

"I used to think I had to be polite but after a while I realised it was best to laugh along with it."

High School Musical Two Live on Stage, New Wimbledon Theatre, August 22 to September 5 (except Aug 24 and 30), 2pm and 7pm most days, £18 to £35. Call 0844 871 7646 or visit newwimbledontheatre.co.uk