FOR someone who leapt to fame doing Shirley Bassey impersonations, Joe Longthorne has had a remarkably long career.

The performer, who comes to the Pavilion theatre, Bournemouth on Friday April 26, has now broadened his remit to include the likes of Frank Sinatra and is given lavish backing from a full band - but his basic appeal is unchanged since he first came to public attention on 1987 in the Les Dennis Laughter Show.

His first TV appearance was actually on Junior Show Time in 1970, but it wasn't until 1990 and The Joe Longthorne Show that the entertainer finally received top billing.

His excellent impersonations, combined with his sense of humour and his own powerful voice, soon earned him a place in public affections, and it wasn't long before he was playing to packed theatres all over the UK - not to mention prestigious venues such as the London Palladium, where he performed alongside similar old-style entertainers like Bruce Forsyth, Bob Hope and the real Shirley Bassey.

Longthorne now undertakes lengthy national tours, as well as playing summer seasons in Blackpool.

He has also had a successful recording career, his best-selling albums including The Joe Longthorne Song Book, which went platinum, and Especially For You.

For tickets and information, call the box office on 01202 456456.