A NEW show heading to Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre next month will take the audience back to the Sixties in style.

Victoria Jones will star in Cilla and the Shades of the Sixties which looks at the songs and life of one of Britain’s favourite personalities.

Cilla Black had an amazing career from her early days as a pop sensation to becoming a hugely successful TV presenter and celebrity and the show will cover it all.

“Cilla was a real trailblazer,” said Victoria. “For me, I only knew her as a TV presenter initially. It was only later that I realised the vocal range she had and how good her voice was. People forget how vocally talented she was.”

Having played Cilla Black in her own one-woman show, Liverbird, Victoria was the ideal choice for the new show which captures the spirit and the songs of the Sixties.

“Oh, I really was born in the wrong decade,” laughed Victoria, a fellow Liverpudlian like Cilla.

“I love everything about the Sixties - the music, the fashion - so to get to wear some of the costumes I’m in my element.”

Victoria has always been a performer, beginning her singing career in Liverpool when she was just 15.

She appeared on the BBC’s The One and Only as Kylie Minogue and subsequently worked for Disney as a presenter and singer at Disneyland Paris.

Victoria has since worked alongside comedians and actors in a number of shows and unleashed her wild side in the cult rock theatre show Vampires Rock.

“Being Cilla in this show means I have got big boots to fill. but I get to perform all those beautiful ballads like Alfie and Anyone Who Had A Heart. It’s just a pleasure to sing those songs.”

Also in the show are the all-girl group Shades of the Sixties who cover other major Sixties hits ranging from the Beatles to Dusty Springfield.

“They are lovely girls,” said Victoria, “so being on tour with them is like hanging out with your friends.”

Victoria revealed that the show will pay an affectionate tribute to Cilla’s TV career.

“We do have a little Blind Date section in the show where we’re a bit tongue in cheek and have a little play.” she said.

“Cilla did have a fantastic sense of humour so we try and incorporate that as well.

“ I think early in her career people did see her as this little girl from Liverpool but they underestimated her at their peril.

“She was a feisty one when she needed to be and she went on to be the first woman to have her own TV show, She was all about the girl power back in the day.”

Victoria will have a special incentive when the show comes to Oswaldtwistle.

“My aunt and uncle live in the area and will be going along to see the show for the first time which will be great,” she said.

Cilla and the Shades of the Sixties, Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre, Saturday, March 11. Details from 01254 398319