Crooner Christie is coming home

A Lichfield theatre will welcome one of the city's most famous residents on stage.

Legendary '70s singer Tony Christie will perform his first gig in his adopted home town at the Garrick in February.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said, "I want local people to see me on stage – as well as in the aisles at Waitrose." Originally from Yorkshire, Christie moved to Lichfield about three years ago after 15 years in Spain.

He said: "I do miss the sunshine over in Spain. But my wife and I have always liked the Midlands, and we took a real shine to Lichfield." The singer has experienced something of a career renaissance in the UK in recent years after comedian Peter Kay used Is This the Way to Amarillo in an episode of Phoenix Nights. The song was re-released as a Comic Relief single in 2005 and was best-selling track of the year, spending seven weeks at the number one spot.

The song is now a permanent fixture in his performances. "You couldn't not do that song.It's such a crowd pleaser," he said.

Tony Christie will perform at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2.

To book people should contact the box office by telephoning 01543 412121.