SINGER and impersonator Joe Longthorne MBE, is on his way to the Palace Theatre to celebrate 50 years of song and laughter.

Famed for an endless repertoire of the voices of the world’s top singers, Shirley Bassey being one of the most famous impressions he does, the dame herself has been reported as saying “Joe can do me better than I can do myself”.

A special greatest hits performance is promised as the star of TV and stage celebrates his 50th anniversary in the music business.

Joe’s agile voice has seen a succession of gold and platinum albums that have sold in the region of 10 million records.

His incredible career in showbiz began with appearances on TV’s Junior Showtime. His big break came in 1981 when he was a finalist on London Weekend Television's iconic Search for a Star.

This led to appearances at the London Palladium with Bob Hope and The Talk of the Town. A short time later, Joe received the Variety Club of Britain award as Most Promising Artiste of the Year. Television specials in the UK and USA followed.

Support is from George King, a regular face on TV during the Eighties appearing on hit shows The Comedians, Live at Her Majesty's and New Faces.

Much loved fellow comedian Les Dawson once described George King as ‘one the most original comedians I have seen in a long, long time’.

George’s TV credits include The Comedians, Live at Her Majesty’s, New Faces, Make me Laugh, Laughter Lounge (ITV) and he has also featured in BBC Radio shows and theatre tours and has appeared alongside greats such as Johnnie Mathis, Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Lulu, Joe Longthorne, Shirley Bassey and Matt Monro.

Joe Longthorne - the 50th Anniversary Tour, comes to the Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff, on Friday September 14, at 8pm.

Tickets are £26.50, £25.50 and £20.50 available from southendtheatres.org.uk or the box office on 01702 351135.