THE STORY of singing legend Sir Cliff Richard has been portrayed in a new stage musical in the North-East this week.

Cliff the Musical, at the Sunderland Empire Theatre, pays homage to the world's most famous bachelor boy, reflecting his endurance on the music scene down the generations.

Written by and featuring former Radio One DJ Mike Read, who plays "Lord Cliff", it reflects the star's successful career as he celebrates his 80th birthday in 2020.

Such is the timespan he has remained a force on the music scene, it requires four Cliffs to play the title role down the years.

Read is the elderly, statesman-like Cliff in 2020, while the younger versions are played by Ricky Aron, Miles Guarinni and Jimmy Jemain, who won the 1990 Stars in their Eyes impression of the music legend.

It reflects on the Cliff Richard story from 1958, when he rose to prominence with the hit Move It, which reached number two in the charts.

All of the well-known hit songs down the years are featured, including Summer Holiday, Congratulations, Bachelor Boy, Living Doll, Devil Woman, Wired for Sound and The Young Ones.

Joining the 15-member cast are The Shadows tribute band The Rapiers featuring Colin Pryce Jones, Nathan J Hulse and Wayne Nichols.

Cliff the Musical runs until tomorrow, at 7.30pm. For more information, contact the box office, on 0191-510 0545.