CLUTCHING a Fender Stratocaster, sporting heavy-rimmed glasses, Marc Robinson even sounds like Buddy Holly in his heyday.

Robinson, starring in Buddy - A Legend Reborn, returns to the Number 8 Community Arts Centre in Pershore this month. Rated as the UK's number one Holly impersonator, Robinson starred in the touring West End musical Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story before taking the lead in this production. A talented singer and guitarist in his own right, he takes the audience on a journey back to the 1950s when Bill Haley's Rock Around The Clock began a craze and when Elvis Presley's pelvis first shocked the world.

"I kind of fell into the role of Holly rather than forcing myself as Buddy on the world," said Robinson. "I started off in a rock and roll band playing pubs and clubs. People began to say I looked and sounded like Buddy Holly, I love his music, and it all fell into place for me."

Robinson's Holly career took off after he won ITV's Stars in Their Eyes.

Since then he has performed throughout Europe and the Middle East. Highlights include playing at the London Palladium and Glastonbury Festival; appearing in the films The Fifth Element and Mrs Brown; and playing for Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Cliff Richard.

Buddy - A Legend Reborn is at Number 8 on Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23.

For tickets, priced £16.50, call the box office on 01386 555488.