EMMA DUNN meets star Jimmy Osmond

THE word gruff wouldn’t normally be associated with squeaky clean Jimmy Osmond.

But the 51-year-old, best known as Little Jimmy Osmond who sang Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool, is looking forward to taking on the role of gruff manager Sam Silver when he stars in Copacabana.

Written by Barry Manilow, the musical will be at the Wyvern Theatre from March 16 to March 21.

“Barry is a family friend and it’s fun now to be in one of his creative productions,” said Jimmy, who is the youngest of The Osmonds.

“The part I’m playing came out of the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago. Sam Silver is a gruff manager guy, kind of like Billy Flynn.

“It’s fun because I can be gruff – when I did it in Chicago people liked it that they had never seen me that way.

“It’s totally cool because I definitely have that in me, it’s just nobody sees that side of me.”

With original songs by Barry Manilow, dazzling costumes and fabulous choreography, Copacabana is a tale of romance and stardom that has captivated audiences across the globe.

Featuring brand new arrangements of hits such as Dancin’ Fool, Welcome to Havana, Who Needs to Dream?, and of course, the Grammy award-winning Copacabana, this show will have you dancing in the aisles.

It also stars former S Club 7 singer Jon Lee, who has also starred in Jersey Boys and Les Miserables.

Copacabana won’t be the first time Jimmy has been to the Wyvern – he performed there in September last year with brothers Merrill and Jay.

They had originally only planned one performance of their American Jukebox Show, but tickets sold out so quickly ahead of the event that the theatre scheduled an earlier performance for those who missed out.

“We always have fun. The crowds are amazing – it’s fun to have that kind of history with people over the years. They’re just amazing, we probably don’t deserve it.

“We see such a cross section of grandmas and young kids who are just starting to learn about our music.

“Between us we have 200 albums so there is a lot of music we can call on.”

And after a lifetime in showbusiness, Jimmy has no plans to give it up.

“We don’t have to do it, it’s just something we love.

“I have tried to be an entrepreneur and businessman, I have done a lot of things and still do but it’s boring compared to being on stage,” he said.

“I love being part of the excitement and helping the audience forget their troubles for a few hours.”

 Copacabana is at the Wyvern from March 16 to 21. For tickets, which cost from £18 to £30.50, visit swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.