Gary teams with Mike Alexander for a national tour of With Compliments... which arrives in Motherwell Theatre on Friday, September 5 for an evening of music and chat as they look back on their years in showbiz.

Gary said: "I'm really looking forward to it. Between us we have about 180 years experience in the business so it's nice to be in a more intimate atmosphere where we can sing a few of our favourite songs and tell some stories from over the years.

"I've known Mike for about 30 years when we were both starting out at LWT. About 15 years ago we were both in the show the Good Bye Girl and have been best mates ever since.

"Hopefully everyone who comes to see the show will think it was money well spent and it has to be better than sitting in front of the telly."

After starring in the Wizard of Oz and touring With Compliments... he is straight into pantomime, joining John Thomson in Peter Pan in Manchester and admits his holiday plans went somewhat awry.

He said: "I had intended to have two months off this year but when the opportunity came about for Wizard of Oz my two months became about two weeks.

"I will definitely need to take time off in the new year to recharge the batteries although even when I am off I'm usually busy writing and recording my own songs, and my constant activity does drive my family a bit nuts.

"I never thought I was really that driven but I suppose I am, as while I never really had any desire to get famous the fact I did means I have been able to work with better people, in better projects on better parts.

"I still look forward to going into work every single day, I love musical theatre and if shows like Mamma Mia!, Wicked or even the TV talent shows are encouraging people to give it a try I'm delighted."

With Compliments... starts at 7.30pm and tickets costing £14 (£13 under 25s/passport to leisure) are available from the box office on 01698 403120 or visit www.northlan.gov.uk