AS catchphrases go, to me to you" is sublime in its simplicity, and for the Chuckle Brothers it sure as heck works - ensuring them continued cult status with their madcap antics.

Real-life brothers Paul and Barry have spent more than 30 years on the road together, from the cabaret and panto circuits to their hit BBC TV show.

Chucklevision marches ever forward, and is entering into an incredible 16th season. There appears little sign of either its appeal dwindling or their enthusiasm dampening.

Their latest live jaunt, Star Doors, finds them accidentally beaming aboard the "Starship Exitprise" and poking good- natured fun at all things science fiction.

Fresh from a interesting visit to Channel Four's flamboyant hairdressing show, The Salon, Barry seemed in reflective, yet amiable mood:

"With each of our tours we try to do something that's in vogu. Last year it was Raiders Of the Lost Bark, this year it's Star Doors.

"We have been going for about five weeks now and the audiences seems to love it. We send them up fantastically with characters such as Luke Sleepwalker and Garth Waga, who wears waders!

Life on the road appears to be agreeing with them. Hailing from a family of entertainers, their first shows as children took place at their home in Rotherham.

"It was like going into the family business really, our father was a comedian, mother a dancer , and two elder brothers (Jimmy and Brian) were a double act."

Success was to take some tim. After slogging round the working men's club circuit and panto summer seasons, theirbreakthrough came in 1974 when they won the New Faces competition.

However, as Barry explained, they suffered a setback when a TV deal had to be turned down because of clauses in their theatre contracts.

But you can't keep a good act down and in the early 80s they were spotted "by accident" by a BBC producer while hamming it up in panto.

For their first celluloid series, the dynamic duo were dressed as dogs, The Chucklehounds in a mime- based series. "It's now being shown around the world," says Barry.

Curious as to who lay behind the canine clothing, the head of the corporation promptly commissioned Chucklevision, which is now one of the longest -running series ever.

"It was brilliant when we got our break. The show is just about everyday life and getting things wrong, so we never run out of ideas.

"We always have a laugh and it is does not cause any offence to anyone.

"All sorts of people come to our live shows, from children and students to grannies, and we do enjoy performing. Part of the joy of it is seeing the audiences laughing."

The duo are probably the closest thing Britain will ever have to compare with Laurel and Hardy. The formula for their affable slapstick carry- ons as jacks of all trades remains comfortably familiar.

But exactly how did that catchphrase come about?

"When we were at home and moving furniture we used to say 'to me, to you' a bit, so it just grew from there. When we are walking down the street we often get builders saying it to us, which puts a smile on our faces! It's good to be recognised by people; that's' what it is all about really."

Feeling fortunate in their long run in the business, Barry said it proves a tough industry for many of those who are unable to get TV work.

Still living in their beloved Rotherham, where according to one website they are regarded as "gods," Barry recalled one of their most hilarious moments. For one episode they filmed at the towns' football ground with all the fans chanting that dynamite catchphrase.

With their Star Doors tour now in action, you have to wonder if there is indeed a "dark side" to them behind the cheeky chappy act?

"I don't think so, we are pretty happy-go-lucky and ready to go with the flow of things. We would have liked to do an evening show, but our producers didn't want us to!"

When not in entertaining mode, Barry enjoys a round of golf and a spot of gardening. Married for many years, he has recently become a proud grandfather.

Very much a family man, Barry will soon be able to teach a whole new generation about the funnier side of life through the glorious, comic Technicolor of Chucklevision.

• Catch up with the Chuckles at Aldershot's Princes Hall on Saturday, April 25,(01252 329155) and the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, (01483 545900) on Sunday, May 11.

Neill Barston