THE first ever British and Irish tour of a Billy Joel theatre show will arrive at Swindon Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 25.

Elio Pace and his band will perform The Billy Joel Songbook, which includes hits such as Uptown Girl, My Life and Just The Way You Are, at 8pm.

“It’s not a life story, it’s just an incredible celebration of Billy Joel music,” said Elio.

“The audience loves all these songs and everybody has a special life story attached to a Billy Joel song.

“The show goes down a storm and we have had standing ovations at every single one.” The 72 date tour has been going down a storm so far. “It’s something I have wanted to do for about 30 years. It’s not a tribute show, it’s a tribute to Billy Joel,” he said.

“I’m not going out as Billy Joel and trying to talk or be like him.

“This is Elio Pace in his own right. I am a singer song writer and I just love Billy Joel music so much. “I find it so inspiring and eclectic. This is an artist that never stayed still, he never just locked into one style of writing and went with it because it was selling.”

The performance is at 8pm. For tickets, which are £18, visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.

– EMMA DUNN