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Pop star David Essex is bringing his lifelong passion for funfairs to the West End in a show of his greatest hits.
The Seventies heart-throb will star in the musical All The Fun Of The Fair, which includes some of his famous songs, such as Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star.
They have been rewritten for the story of fairground owner Levi Lee — played by Essex — who is the recently widowed father of a rebellious teenage son.
The title is from Essex's 1975 album of the same name and reflects a love of fairgrounds from his time growing up in West Ham as the grandson of Irish travellers.
“I did work on a fair for a short time when I was at school during the holidays and forgot to go back to school for a while. It is a world that fascinates me,” he said.
“There's the juxtaposition of fun and an underbelly of violence that is interesting. It's such a close-knit community.”
Essex, 62, had a rapturous reception on a regional tour which won him honorary membership of the Showmen's Guild, which represents 4,000 travelling showmen.
All The Fun Of The Fair is at the Garrick theatre from 17 April to 5 September.
Reader views (4)
My Daughter and Myself went to see this wonderful show when it came to Bristol, cant wait to see it again on the 24th April which happens to be my Daughter Karens 40th Birthday we are bringing our husbands to celebrate together. thank you David and cast brilliant show hope U bring it out on dvd so we can watch it anytime we need a bit of Davids magic.
- Patriicia Patching, weston-super-mare, u.k, 24/02/2010 21:20
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What a Fantastic show! saw it three times while on tour. The cast were amazing anyone who has not yet seen this,you are in for a treat.
Cant wait to see it again in the West End.
- Thuraiah Naaif Davies, Swansea, 19/01/2010 21:39
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Fantastic show went to see it many times on tour. The cast are so warm and friendly and so professional. All of the actors are brilliant in their roles and very believable. Certainly a show I would recommend to go and see. Good luck to all in it.xx I will see you all in Londonxx
- Sue Viner, Dudley Uk, 07/01/2010 17:39
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We saw this show ,when it toured and it is absolutley Fantastic.The story takes u from laughter to tears ,the songs r brilliant and fit the story very well ,the acting is suberb,and the cast very professional,and friendly...all around a great night out and we would recommend it to everyone...we can,t wait to see All the fun Of the Fair again and again and again
- Carol Morton, Coventry England, 06/01/2010 21:14
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