LANDING the main part in a touring musical show can be daunting enough for any singer. But when that part involves singing the hits of Dusty Springfield, you could be forgiven for being a little apprehensive.

But Emily Clark, star of Dusty and the Shades of the Sixties, is revelling in the experience.

“I could see what people might be intimidated,” said Emily. “After all Dusty is one of the great voices, but as soon as I heard they were talking about Dusty and the Shades I was going ‘hello, I am your Dusty, I’m here’.”

Part of the appeal for Emily are the songs she gets to sings - classics such as You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me and Son of a Preacher Man.

“They are amazing songs,” she said. “It’s a treat to be able to go on stage every night.”

This is the first time that Dusty and the Shades has toured the UK and will be heading to Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre next Saturday.

“I’ve played the venue a few times in the past,” said Hoghton-born Emily. “Everyone there is so lovely, they really look after you.”

Emily is no stranger to touring having previously been in the cult rock show Vampire’s Rock and she was also a member of the Shades for a previous show Cilla and the Shades of the Sixties.

“Yes, I’ve worked my way up,” she laughed.

Although Dusty Springfield is very much the star of the current show, it is also a celebration of the music of the Sixties.

“We set the songs and the singers in context,” said Emily. “The Shades do perform other songs from the era and I also get the chance to sing some of Burt Bacharach’s other great songs, not just the ones he wrote for Dusty.

“Ideally I would love to have done them all but we can’t fit them all in.”

It’s a testament to Emily’s abilities that she is able to convincingly put across such great songs.

“I’m very lucky that I have got a big range,” she said, “so I can get to the low notes and also hit the high notes. Plus she was such a soulful singer - soul is one of ultimate favourites and I do have quite a soulful voice so I do quite naturally suit her voice.”

The high energy show also features costumes changes and dance routines.

“It’s a really packed show,” said Emily. “I think it will definitely take the audience back to the Sixties for sure.

“When I was in the Cilla show, that’s one thing I noticed. The audience isn’t just watching a show about the main character, you are celebrating an era which means so much to so many people.”

Although a relatively new show, theatres around the country have been quick to see the appeal of Cilla and the Shades with dates filling up throughout the year.

“I think we have even got booking into 2019 already,” said Emily.

“Because I have toured since 2005, I’m just used to the tour life. The most tiring part isn’t doing the show it’s the travelling in between.

“But I love the fact that I’m in a different town each time. It keeps things exciting because each night you have a different audience.”

Cilla and the Shades of the Sixties, Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre, Saturday, March 17. Details from 01254 398319 or www.civicartscentre.co.uk