LEGENDARY singer Joe Longthorne will appear at the Kirk Theatre, in Pickering, on Thursday, June 19, as part of his Up Close and Personal tour.

The show includes his favourite songs and stories of his career that has included his own TV series, platinum-selling albums and sell-out shows right around the world including the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.

Joe started his career on Yorkshire Television’s Junior Showtime when he was 14. He appeared on ITV’s Search for a Star whilst in his 20s and The Joe Longthorne Show attracted 12 million viewers from 1988-1991. He became unwell around the same time suffering from cancer but battled it out and following a life-saving bone marrow transplant he has been back on the road playing over 100 dates a year for the past decade.

Born in Hull to a family of travellers, Joe said he had a particular fondness for North Yorkshire, the coast and the North York Moors.

“My favourite place in the world is Ravenscar where I lived for a while,” he said.

“I love the peace and solitude there. Coming back to North Yorkshire and this lovely market town of Pickering is very special to me.

“We would come here when I was a kid. I’m looking forward to playing at the Kirk Theatre and hopefully seeing a lot of old friends, and some new ones too.”

Luke Arnold, manager of the Kirk Theatre said he was delighted that Joe had agreed to perform.

“This is a real treat for us and I know that it is going to be a wonderful evening,” he added.

“Joe is a fantastic performer and for him to choose the Kirk Theatre is just great.’ Tickets are available by phoning 01751 474833 or call in at the Kirk Theatre box office, which is open on Tuesdays.