Clive Carter plays the crooner in the show The Rat Pack, which comes to Croydon and Woking later this month. The show is a celebration of the lounge music of the 1950s and recreates a concert/party thrown by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davies Junior.

And audiences are loving it.

"We were in Wolverhampton last night and the crowd would not let us leave the stage it really is going well," said Clive.

"In the 50s the three of them used to party and concert on stage and that it what we are trying to recreate."

Coming from an acting background Clive goes much deeper in to the role of Dean Martin than simply imitating him.

"We do not even try to imitate them, you really have to respect their memory and when we were putting the show together we approached the estates of the three to get as much detail on them as we could.

"These people were legends and if you get something wrong you end up upsetting a lot of people."

And while Clive was researching Dean Martin he found that the man was very different to the way he has been portrayed.

"He certainly did not drink as much as everybody made out, he once said if he did then he would be on the floor the whole time. When he was on stage most of the time he would be drinking something non-alcoholic. The lounge lizard was an act he managed to perfect, he worked very hard at being laid back on stage.

So what attracts audiences to the shows?

"I think it is because the music is timeless, I can't imagine any one going out and doing a tribute to Blur in 30 years time."

Peter began his career as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC) before going on to star in west end musicals Les Miserables and Phantom Of The Opera.

West End

"When I went for this part I was already contracted to do something else and I don't break contracts but the producers said what if they put on a stand in until I could take up the role

" To be honest it is like a dream come true, I love this sort of music and to get a chance to go out and perform it with a big band, some of whom played with the originals is fantastic."

Away from the world of the musical Clive is an all round actor whose true passion in life is Shakespeare.

Shakespeare

"When I have finished this I'll probably go back to the RSC for what I call my regular fix. To me Shakespeare is the greatest thing to act in, my favourite role to date is Henry V.

"I would love to play the role in the Scottish play but not for another few years, I don't feel ready at the moment. I have played Malcolm a few times but I really want to tackle the lead."

The Rat Pack starring Clive Carter hits the Fairfield, Croydon on June 19 and for more details ring the box office on 020 8688 9291. If you can't get to Croydon then the show is at the New Victoria Woking on Tuesday 13 and for details ring 01483 761444.