David Essex Brings ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR to the West End in 2010

70s pop icon David Essex will make his West End on 17 April, 2010 when he brings his musical All the Fun of the Fair to the Garrick Theatre.  The show, named for his 1975 hit album featuring his greatest hits, is booking through 5 September, 2010.  

Set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair and packed with dazzling stunt sequences, hilarious crafty cons and plenty of rock ‘n' roll, All the Fun of the Fair is a brand new action-packed musical from legendary singer and songwriter David Essex and the creator of Boogie Nights, Jon Conway.

Widower and funfair owner Levi Lee (David Essex) is struggling to fend off the unwelcome attentions of an alluring and attractive divorcee whilst trying to keep up with the ins and outs of his son's tangled love life and lofty ambitions. And what is he to make of the dangerous predictions of the fair's mysterious gypsy fortune teller, Rosa (played by Louise English), warning him about what the future has in store?

Inspired by David's debut album, this roller-coaster ride is underscored by a helter-skelter of hits such as Winter's Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You A Star, Me and My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine and Rock On.

But, as David explains, "It's more a play with music; it's not a jukebox show." For example, his early hit Rock On is introduced as he and Louise reminisce about the "old days". The sets will be impressive as well, including cast-driven dodgem cars and carousel carriages.

The musical includes Essex's "Winter's Tale," "Hold Me Close," "Gonna Make You a Star," "Rock On," and "Silver Dream Machine," as well as others that Essex and his musical associate Ian Wherry adapted especially for the show.

The production toured the U.K. in the 2008 - 2009 season starring Louise English as the sultry Gypsy, Rosa, with David Essex as Levi Lee, which will tour the UK from September 2008 through May 2009.

Essex has previously appeared on stage in the original London productions of Godspell and Evita as well as Mutiny!, Footloose, and Aspects of Love.  His film credits include That'll Be The Day (1973), Stardust (1974) & "Silver Dream Racer" (1980). His pop career includes hit songs, Rock On, Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star.

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