WHEN it comes to comedy, Andy Parsons’ credentials are impeccable.

Modern TV audiences will know him as a regular on Mock the Week and also for appearances on Live at the Apollo.

But the likeable comedian, who comes to Burnley Mechanics next week, was also one of the key writers behind cult satirical puppet show Spitting Image.

“Sadly, I don’t think we’ll see Spitting Image again,” he said. “They did look at reviving it but the puppets are really expensive to produce. Panel shows are much cheaper and you can still have the topical satire.

“Plus, when you look at the likes of David Cameron and Ed Milliband you could probably use the same puppet for both of them. Politicians these days are so interchangeable, a show like Spitting Image just wouldn’t work. You’d just have a series of generic puppets.”

This week, Andy will be recording his show — I’ve Got A Shed — for a DVD.

“For the first time I’ve got a camera crew for two nights, which takes the pressure off a bit,” he said. “If I really muck something up on the first show, I get a second chance the night after.”

Although Andy admits the show’s title sounds a bit random, it does have a slightly serious point.

“I actually do have a shed in which I do all my writing,” he said, “so it seemed like a good place to start.

“The show does have one of two threads running through it which I try to bring together at the end.

“But I do like to have some leeway as it allows me to feed off the audience and take it in a different direction, which is good for me as well as the performance.”

Andy’s tour is extensive —in October alone he will be performing 18 dates around the UK. And the show has been on the road for six months.

“The good thing about being at this stage of the tour is that I know the quality of the material I have got and what I can use as ‘bankers’ to get a laugh.

“But I have to keep it topical. That’s what interests me. Even when I’m not on tour I’m a news junkie and the first thing I’ll do is read all the papers so I can’t resist adding topical points into the show.

“It’s also what helps keep the show frsh for me and the audience.

“The travelling can get you down but that’s why you need a great tour manager to get you from place to place and to keep you fresh for the shows.

“The shows themselves are never a problem. That’s what we do what we do.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Burnley.

“From what I remember of the last visit it was a fairly lively affair and good fun.”

Andy Parsons, Burnley Mechanics, Thursday, October 24. Details from the box office on 01282 664411.