There is clearly method in Lenny Henry's madcap madness - he can switch moods in the blink of an eye but still keep his feet firmly on the ground.
The comedian admits he has learned that one of the best ways of staying out in front is to keep them guessing.
"You have to change, to evolve and stay one step ahead of what people are expecting," says Lenny, who is helping his mate Jasper Carrott promote the ever-popular variety show at the NEC.
Jasper Carrott's Christmas Rock with Laughter at The NEC Arena is packed with stars that have captured the imaginations of generations over the past ten, twenty even 30 years.
Lenny Henry, like Jasper, is one of the special breed - the comedians have managed to keep making an impression on a demanding audience across the generations.
Lenny, who got his break after winning the ATV show New Faces, which at the time attracted audiences of more than 10 million, was then on Tiswas with the likes of Chris Tarrant before moving on to other challenges.
His character creations range from Brixton wideboy Delbert Wilkins to Grandpa Deakus.
"You can tell how old people are by what they remember. Some remember my impressions of Frank Spencer on New Faces while others remember me in Chef! It is odd really but that's the way it is," says Lenny, who grew up in Dudley and still sees it as home.
He shrugs off labels like 'national treasure' and a snapshot of his life highlights that success has not come easy to Lenny. One of just three blacks in his school, he has grown up being aware of his roots and daily challenges - he admits that often in the one-off documentaries he has made there are glimpses of other sides of his personality and his life. And, even in his stand-up routines, he talks about his family.
"People do think they know me because I talk about my mum or my daughter and I use things about every day life to make others laugh," he admits.
It is well-documented that Lenny was close to his mother and before her death he was a regular visitor to her home in Dudley. Other family still living in the area mean there are still strong links with Dudley and he admits that although he and his wife, Dawn French, live in Berkshire, the Midlands town is still his home.
He still enjoys wandering around his home town but admits: "Dudley is different it has changed - it is strange but I still like to go there. When I am walking down the street people say 'hello' and shout things out but it is all in good humour."
He adds: "I have got to come home or I will get haunted."
The latest challenge for Lenny is a new series looking at what makes people laugh.
"It is really fascinating to see the differences across the country and talking to different people," says Lenny.
"We find out what people think is their national identity and their sense of humour."
The series has taken Lenny down coal mines, in an Indian restaurant, spending a day with traffic wardens and even with a midwife observing a water birth.
"It was fantastic. She (the mother) held my hand and it was the tightest it has ever been held. It was amazing."
While each insight gives Lenny another snapshot of life - his experiences with Comic Relief have given him some of his most-special moments and he is thankful to be able to support the fundraising efforts of Richard Curtis.
"It is a real phenomenon. £450 million over the last 20 years - it is a real achievement and has helped so many people."
Lenny's support for the charity has enabled him to see first hand how the money is spent helping people less fortunate.
And he admits: "I am very proud of what we have done."
No doubt his daughter will share in her dad's sense of achievement because it is that role that really means the world to Lenny.
"What ever I do I think the most important thing is to be a good dad. I am a husband, an activist and an actor but I hope people remember me for being a good human being. That's what's important."
Lenny gives one of his broad smiles - life is good for the boy from Dudley who understands the importance of making people laugh.
* Lenny Henry spent time in the country's second city with some of the finest Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers in preparation for their appearance at the show. The modern day variety show line-up includes Lenny Henry and the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Jimmy Carr, Jethro, Suzi Quatro, Journey South, Bjorn Again and Roy Wood's Rock & Roll Band along with Jasper Carrott.
Jasper Carrott's Christmas Rock With Laughter runs at The NEC Arena, Birmingham from Wednesday December 20 to Saturday December 23. Tickets priced £27.50 plus booking and transaction fee can be purchased on-line at www.necgroup.co.uk/jasper or from The NEC Arena Box Office on 0870 909 4133.
