David Essex brings his new musical to Regent

Sep 26 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

NEW musicals based on the past hits of a well known superstar are now an established part of the British theatre scene.

But not many of those shows actually star the hitmaker themselves.

But David Essex has taken the title of his debut album – All The Fun of the Fair – and his back catalogue of classics like number one hits Gonna Make You A Star and Hold Me Close and turned them into something new.

The show is set around a travelling funfair, providing the focal point for a musical merry-go-round of love, loss, laughter and loyalty, all played out against a stunning score courtesy of the hits of David Essex who stars in the role of funfair owner Levi Lee.

Levi is coming to terms with the death of his wife and the attentions of another woman while struggling to deal with his rebellious teenage son’s tangled love life and ambitions. Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by a gypsy fortune-teller if Levi changes his path.

All The Fun of the Fair can be seen at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent from September 30-October 4. Visit www.regenttheatre.co.uk or ring 0870 060 6649.