BLACKPOOL will be celebrating the life and music of one of pop's biggest legends this December when it pays host to the "Big O".

The sensational tribute to "Man in Black" Roy Orbison comes up from the West End where it has seen a successful two-year run as well as having two record-breaking UK tours.

With Damien Edwards playing Orbison, a multi-talented cast of actors and musicians re-tell the remarkable story of his life. They portray the life of the music and recording legend from his early days with the Elvis producer Sam Phillips to his first British tour with the Beatles. They tell the story through his 22 hit records to his comeback years with the Travelling Wilburys.

Damien is also a singer-songwriter and his first role was the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz when he was just ten years old. He went on to make films and star in a number of stage musicals throughout his three years at the University of Wales in Swansea, where he studied English and drama. Since leaving university, he has followed several routes including an appearance on Pebble Mill, performing alongside Jo Brand at a cancer charity show and supporting Wishbone Ash on several dates of their UK tour. He has now secured publishing deals for several of his own compositions.

Roy Orbison was the first musician to talk about love, the first "Man in Black" and the first singer-songwriter who told grown men it was OK to cry. His simple heartfelt ballads of loneliness, grief and despair have set him forever at the summit of the rock 'n' roll hall of fame.

The Roy Orbison Story opens at Blackpool's Opera House on December 18 and runs through to December 30. Ticket prices start at £12.50 and are now on sale at the box office, or telephone Blackpool Live on (01253) 292029.