"I think Father Jack is a bit more surreal but I have to admit I hadn't actually thought about that."

The characters may not be open to direct comparison, but you can't help thinking Jim Norton's role as Richard in Conor McPherson's latest play - described as a stick-wielding bully in an armchair - may have a kindred spirit (both metaphysical and alcoholic) in Jack Hackett, the dipsomaniac priest from Father Ted.

The idea is called to mind by the memory of the seasoned stage thesp's recurring role in the Craggy Island-set sitcom as the evil Bishop Brennan.

"I still get people on the street calling me that," says Norton. "I go to the stage door and people are waiting for autographs. I think, Great, they've been to the show', but they haven't - they're just Father Ted fans waiting out in the cold for Bishop Brennan."

Currently enjoying a successful run at the National before heading out on a nationwide tour ("It's part of the National's policy now that the original cast goes on tour - after all, we're paying for it through our income tax"), this is the fifth time the softly-spoken Irishman has signed up for a McPherson play.

The Seafarer gives him an opportunity to explore some dark material.

"It's a fable about two brothers," explains Norton.

"One is a drunk, the other is trying to stay sober and they're playing poker with some friends in Dublin on Christmas Eve. But one of the friends who comes along is not quite what they expect.

"He is, in fact, the Devil and he's come to claim the soul of my brother."

The play has been described as Pinter's The Birthday Party crossed with Faust, bolstered with "a rich Christmas cake" of elements.

But is it basically a tale about exorcising your demons?

"It is and it isn't," says Norton. "The idea of having the Devil on stage is extraordinary, but it's so plausible in the way it's done that the audience is instantly attracted.

"There is a Faustian pact that is made without realising but there are many more elements to the play.

"It's also about families, damaged children and fighting the demon drink.

"There's all these strands but it still manages to be funny. Conor McPherson's a wonderful writer because he can have you laughing and crying in one sentence."

Enjoying the breadth this role is giving him, there is still a little devil on Norton's shoulder in the form of the misanthropic Bishop Brennan - a role from the past that still pops up occasionally to haunt him.

"It just won't go away," he says.

"I've even had journalists calling me about the people on Inis Mor and Inis Oirr (two remote Aran islands off the coast of County Galway which are vying for the right to host a Father Ted festival by competing against each other in a five-a-side football tournament).

"It has become quite a big thing but my answer is that anything that celebrates Dermot Morgan's genius is a good thing."

But is he willing to step in as a referee for the five-a-side?

"No, I'll keep well away. Especially at this time of the year."

  • Starts at 7.45pm, Thurs and Sat mats 2.30pm. Tickets cost £15-£24, call 08700 606650.