A new musical will be making its way to Fairfield Halls on its tour of the UK, writes Ella Griffiths.

Blockbuster: The Musical will make its world premiere in Dartford before playing at Fairfield Halls from the end of September.

Former popstar Suzanne Shaw has recently been cast in the show, which features music from song-writing duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman.

Shaw began her career with pop group Hear’Say and has more recently moved into theatre and TV where she has performed in the West End in Chicago.

Her TV career includes playing series regular Eve Jensen in Emmerdale as well as winning ITV’s hit show Dancing on Ice in 2008.

She joins Paul Nicholas, who became a household name with his role as Vince in the Bafta award-winning BBC TV series Just Good Friends.

He has also had a varied theatrical career as both an actor and producer.

Speaking ahead of the show at a promotional event in Memory Lane record, he says: “I was brought the script and the exciting thing for me was the catalogue of Chin and Chapman songs that came with it.

“I thought the variety of songs would fit into a good musical story.

“If you’re going to go see a musical then the one thing you really must have is great songs and with this, they are all hits.”

Following the success of jukebox musicals such as Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You, Blockbuster: The Musical features chart-topping hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including Tiger Feet, Ballroom Blitz, Can the Can and many more.

The book is by David Soames, who co-wrote the musical Time for Cliff Richard, which ran for two years in the West End at the Dominion Theatre.

Blockbuster: The Musical; Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Halls. Croydon; September 30 to October 4, 7.45pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm; £19-£31, concessions £17-26 (Tuesday-Thursday only), family ticket £80 (excluding Friday and Saturday); www.fairfield.co.uk.