POP star Sonia is promising a little time travel for the audience who head along to the 80’s Live show which comes to Preston Guild Hall next Saturday night.

Sonia will be performing live alongside other chart toppers including Paul Young, Katrina, Brother Beyond’s Nathan Moore, Hazell Dean and Tight Fit.

“It’s just like one big party taking you back to the 80s and your teenage years,” said Sonia. who had a number one with You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You. “It’s a great night.”

Sonia burst onto the pop scene as a teenager, part of the Stock Aitken and Waterman stable and she remains as bubbly as ever.

“I can’t believe where that time has gone,” she said, “it has just flown by.”

But she is not surprised that these ‘retro’ shows have become so popular.

“The thing is that those kids who bought our records back then have grown older but it’s a chance for them to re-live their youth again,” she said.

“As you know music is such a fabulous thing. It can transport you back. These songs mean so much to so many people in different ways, whether it’s places they were at a particular time or even if they were songs they fell in love to.

“It’s just such a feelgood thing.”

The Eighties are often derided for the pop hits and almost being a triumph of style over substance but Sonia is quick to defend the decade.

“The thing with the Eighties is that no-one will ever forget it because of all the make-up and the fashions but what people overlook is the songs were unbelievable.” she said.

“It’s not until you hear them again that you suddenly realise how great they were. They still stand up today.

“My little girl Gracie is only six so of course she’s hearing these songs for the first time but she just loves them. Every generation loves these songs, they are so catchy and some are so meaningful. It’s so refreshing. The music transcends generations,”

Next Saturday’s show will be packed with hits including Paul Young’s Wherever I Lay My Hat and Come Back and Stay, Walking on Sunshine and the Eurovision winner Love Shine a Light from Katrina. The Harder I try from Brother Beyond and Hazell Dean’s Searching.

A whole scene has developed around the Eighties revival shows which means that the stars almost regard them as family get togethers when they perform.

“I’ve known Hazell nearly 30 years now,” said Sonia. “I met her when I was 17. We’ve all gone on this journey together.

“I’m very close to Nathan from Brother Beyond, We were just kids when we first met and now he’s got a little boy. We often bring our kids when we meet up which is amazing when you think about it.”

Having had a series of chart hits, Sonia went on to star in musicals including Grease in London’s West End.

And now she’s preparing to swap the Eighties for the Sixties later this year when she heads out on a national tour of the musical Shout.

“I’ve not toured with a show like this for a long time,” she said. “We’re on the road for five months and it’s going to be so exciting.

“I’m so fortunate to be able to do what I do and I’m still loving it.”

80s Live, Preston Guild Hall, Saturday, April 15. Details from 01772 804444