David Essex has known stunning success throughout his career.Actor, singer, songwriter – his is a star that has shone brightly for more than three decades. Today he chats to JAMES MARSTON about his past, present and future date at the Ipswich Regent.

David Essex has known stunning success throughout his career.

Actor, singer, songwriter - his is a star that has shone brightly for more than three decades. Today he chats to JAMES MARSTON about his past, present and future date at the Ipswich Regent.

A HEART-THROB for a generation of women, David Essex is now 60.

However, age is just a number and for this 60-year-old there are no signs of slowing up - quite the reverse.

He said: “I'm 60 but I feel like I'm 23. I didn't really celebrate. My 60th birthday fell on the first day of rehearsals for Aspects of Love.”

Today, as he prepares for his 48-date Happily Ever After tour, David is looking forward to getting on the road.

He said: “It started out as a 25-date tour but it's grown as these things do. I suppose one day I'll stop saying yes.”

From his home in London's Covent Garden - right in the heart of the capital's theatre district - David is planning a busy 2008.

He said: “It's a really busy year. I've just come out of Aspects of Love after six months and I'm really looking forward to the rock tour.

“I haven't been on the road for a couple of years so it's nice to get back and play some of the songs from my new album.”

Planning to play a mixture of songs both from his album Happily Ever After and his past hits, David jokes about the play list.

He said: “There will be a smattering of number ones as well.”

Playing with a four-piece band, David said the tour, which starts in Plymouth in April and ends in Bournemouth in June, is something to which he is looking forward.

He added: “I've heard they have refurbished the Regent so I'm looking forward to seeing that. It's a great venue to play and I'm looking forward to performing there again.”

Discussing his new album, David said the songs have no overall theme.

He added: “I write an album most years and its available from my website which is how it's done nowadays. A lot of song-writing is quite personal and draws on my own experiences. For example, there is a song on there about my mum who passed away last spring.”

As soon as his tour is over, David will be working on his new musical All the Fun of the Fair.

He said: “I've always been fascinated by funfairs and the insular world of the showmen that create a world and then pack up and go somewhere else.

“The show is about relationships, but it's not a juke box show. It's quite dark and edgy. I have written it and I'm playing the fairground owner.

“We are currently looking for an actor to play my son.”

Known for his work in musical theatre, David enjoys being a versatile performer.

He said: “I love the immediacy of a one-night concert and the instant connection with the audience, but I also like developing a character that you can do in a musical.”

David Essex will be performing at Ipswich's Regent theatre on May 26. To book tickets call the box office on 01473 433100.

Are you a fan of David Essex? What's your favourite song or role by the performer? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

David Essex Q & A

Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?

“I don't think I do really. I've been so lucky in my career.”

What's the highlight of your career?

“I was just coming out of Godspell. I was getting great reviews, Rock On was number one in America and I was in That'll Be The Day. It all happened in a two week period.”

What's your most embarrassing moment?

“I can't remember where it was, but I walked on stage once after a few too many brandies and walked straight into the orchestra pit. They put me back on stage and I carried on.”

Tell us something about yourself which our readers won't know?

“I really like sport and I played football for West Ham when I was a little boy. I also like cricket.”

What's your diva demand in the dressing room?

“A cup of tea.”

What car do you drive?

“A X5 BMW”