BOBBY'S girl Susan Maughan is returning to Dartford in the biggest and best variety show on the circuit this month. The 60s singer is part of a top line-up of stars appearing in Celebrity Showtime at the Orchard Theatre. Maughan is no stranger to theatre in Dartford, having appearing at its opening gala show 25 years ago and more recently as the wicked queen in the 2001/2002 pantomime, Snow White.

I am looking forward to coming back to the Orchard," said Maughan.

"I have met some good friends at the venue. I love singing in front of a live audience and when the music starts, the feeling you get never leaves you.'' Maughan began her accomplished singing career with the Ronnie Hancox Big Band before joining the Ray Ellington Quartet but it was after the release of her single Bobby's Girl when her life began to change. The success of the track brought further recordings of best-selling albums such as I Wanna Be Bobby's Girl But.., Swingin Susan and Hey Look Me Over.

1963 was a highlight in my career, so much was happening," she explained.

"After leaving the quartet, which I loved doing, my pop success opened many doors. I made the film What A Crazy World with Marty Wilde, appeared at the world famous London Palladium Theatre with Frank Ifield and Nicholas Parsons and then performed in the Royal Variety Show alongside The Beatles. After that, you think, wow what can you do next.'' But she has not disappointed. Maughan has managed to keep working in the entertainment business for more than 40 years, performing in a range of theatre and TV and radio shows.

After my short recording career I diversified as way of staying in the industry. I did cabaret, which took me all over the world. I have been in classic TV shows from Sunday Night at The London Palladium to The Morecambe and Wise Show.

"I have the same enthusiasm as when I first started. When you start not to enjoy it that is when you should think about doing something else, like selling geraniums at a garden centre.'' -Celebrity Showtime, Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, September 15, 2.30pm, £14-£10, 01322 220000.