THE hit West End production celebrating the musical legacy of legendary American singer/songwriter Roy Orbison is coming to The Albert Halls in Bolton.

Barry Steele, who has been stunning audiences and winning rave reviews across the globe with his uncanny ability to recreate the vocal talents of the entertainer, reprises his role as "The Big O" in The Roy Orbison Story.

"I am backed in this all live multi-media show, with not only a fabulous band and musicians, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known," said Barry, who discovered his sound was like the celebrated singer.

"It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that I took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when my wife Lynne and daughter Leonie entered me into a singing competition without my knowledge. It was there that a fellow competitor said to me, “You know you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to The Big ‘O’ was born."

Barry will be joined on stage by guest pianist Boogie Williams, and together they will present original material written but never sung by Roy Orbison.

The concert will showcase elements of the symphonic orchestration first heard on the Hologram tour as well as chart busting hits originally made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis, Procol Harum, Del Shannon, ELO, Tom Petty, Chris Isaak, The Spencer Davis Group and a stunningly brilliant accolade as the whole cast comes together to pay homage to the original super group ‘The Traveling Wilburys.

Barry's favourite Roy Orbison's hits are California Blue and Leah.

"The set list has evolved over the years, and with the back catalogue Roy Orbison has it was difficult to choose, however we used feedback from the audience and of course we sing the best sellers, but there are a few surprises in this year’s show," said Barry, " Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes, the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written. Not only does the music take you back in time, the songs can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rocky and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless."

Barry, who has meet Roy's son Wesley and duetting with Bill Dees, co-writer of Oh Pretty Woman, added: "The one highlight that stands out is we made our West End Debut in December at The Adelphi Theatre, and it was an amazing experience ­— apart from the parking which was horrendous!"

He said: "We have no plans to stop touring; we will continue to tour the show for as long as possible, as we love it."

The show takes to the stage on February 9.

Tickets can be purchased from the box office 0843 2080500 or visit http://www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/calendar/