Former lead singer with M People, Heather Small, was inspired to sing after listening to the music of Elkie Brooks.

She began work in the music industry as a teenager and it is her voice on the re-recorded version of the UK number 1 single, Ride on Time, from Italo house band, Black Box.

Once with M People, Heather had hits such as Moving On Up, One Night In Heaven and Search for the Hero, selling 10 million albums worldwide and winning the best British Dance Ace Award at the Brits in both 1994 and 1995. The singer is currently touring the UK with her own theatre show and will be stopping off in Swindon on Sunday, April 14.

In 1997 the Children In Need anthem was a new version of Perfect Day and Heather sang on the record alongside Tom Jones and Lou Reed. It sold over a million copies and was the UK's number one single for three weeks.

The following year Heather went solo, and in 2000 released her debut album and single both called Proud. The single became the sound track to a number of events including the 2012 Olympics in London, the 60th anniversary of V E Day in Trafalgar Square and the Tsunami Relief Concert.

Oprah Winfrey also took Proud as her theme tune and Heather made her American debut on her TV show.

During this time Heather also got to duet with Tom Jones, on a single called You Need Love Like I Do. In 2008 she also shared the same stage as Stereophonics and Feeder at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, as part of the celebrations of Wales's success at the 2008 Grand Slam. In the same year she took on the rigours of Strictly Come Dancing.

Last year she marked her 25 years in the music industry with a tour celebrating her own music and that of M People.

This spring she is on the road again and will bring her distinctive vocals to the Wyvern Theatre from 7.30pm. Tickets are £32.50 from 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison