Show sprinkled with star Dusty pays tribute to legendary star Springfield

Now, powerhouse singer Emily Clark will reprise her starring role as Dusty in Dusty and the Shades of the 60s.

She plans to take audiences on a journey of Dusty’s that will remind them of great music, fun times and party memories. The spring tour kicks off at Telford’s Oakengates Theatre, on March 6, and Emily says she cannot wait to get into the role. “Music was a huge part of my childhood,” she said. “I grew up listening to Dusty and Madonna – both inspired me to become a professional singer.

“Dusty was an incredible singer, a musical tastemaker, a record producer – she had exquisite taste in music and was instrumental in bringing over American soul singers to the UK for the first time. I love touring this show – I get to show off my vocal range and do some acting.

“And I love performing with the Shades – they’re hugely talented singers and together we have a great time on stage.”

Emily made her name starring in two of Steve Steinman’s musical shows, Vampires Rock with Toyah Wilcox and Bat the Symphony. She has performed in The Rocky Horror Show and as the young Dolly Parton in Dolly. The legendary Dusty Springfield’s unique voice was as famous as her personal style – her blonde beehive and black eyeliner inspired millions of teenage girls while her soulful voice and clever choice of material gained her legions of followers all over the UK and the US.

At one time she had six top 20 singles in the US charts and 16 in the UK charts – a world record that remains unchallenged to this day.

Her string of smash hits began on January 1, 1964 when she performed I Only Want to be with You on the BBC’s new TV programme Top of the Pops.

It was closely followed by You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, Son of a Preacher Man, I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself and You Don’t Own Me.

All these songs and more are performed in the show as Dusty and the Shades take audiences on a journey down memory lane featuring the songs, artistes and songwriters who worked with Dusty over her 35-year career.

The musical is produced by Red Entertainment, which also produced the hit show, Cilla and the Shades of the 60s.

Red Entertainment executive producer Matt Brinkler said: “I’m a huge fan of Dusty Springfield and have created this show around her catalogue of smash hits and others by many of the great singers and songwriters of the day.

“At Red Entertainment we’re extremely proud of the ‘Shades’ brand which we launched with Cilla and the Shades of the 60s in 2016.

“Cilla went down a treat with audiences all over the UK and in 2018 we launched Dusty which did equally well.

“Both shows are out on tour in 2019 at the same time as their new little brother show Tom Jones and the Shades of the 60s.

“It’s interesting that Dusty and the Shades of the 60s has led audiences to rediscover Dusty and the music of her fellow artistes. Lots of people remember the hits from the first time around and many people know the songs from commercials or movie soundtracks. It’s the perfect family show.”

Tickets to the Oakengates Theatre show, which starts 7.30pm, cost £23 or £21 for concessions. Call the box office on 01952 382382. or visit theplacetelford.com