A Margate vicar has a vital role in a song and dance production highlighting the work of performers who died tragically young.

Rev Stuart Gay of St Philip's church, Palm Bay, has taken on the compere’s role introducing each act taking part in Melody Productions Only The Good Die Young show at Margate Winter Gardens on Tuesday October 14.

When first approached, Rev Gay thought it was a joke, but in fact he was first on the list when Melody Productions realised they needed a person with a clear voice and the right emotion for the part.

He said it would be hard work but a challenge and didn’t hesitate to accept the part once he realised it wasn’t a joke.

The show will feature covers of hits by a string of favourite artistes. The cast is mainly made up of local talent such as Karl Dawson and Adam Oades who have both appeared in several local shows. Young schoolgirl Chloe Heatly is new to the stage and will be giving her version of Patsy Cline. Hannah Kingsman sings Fields of Gold as Eva Cassidy, and Kevin Jackson gives his rendition of Roy Orbison.

Recent Search for a Star winner Dominique Simpson will be showing why she impressed competition judges with material by Alma Cogan and Judy Garland, and Danielle Leslie - who has appeared in many musicals - will be singing the show's title song, amongst others. Also appearing are professional local artists Jeff Barker and The Highlander.

The show starts with a beautiful song “An Angel” sung by Ben Mitchell followed by a young female vocal harmony group called Bliss. A star of the show is Dave Quinn, an international Elvis Presley impersonator who has sung in many countries and performed on TV. As a tribute to Elvis Presley he will be performing in true Elvis style with his Vegas dancing girls.

Tickets, available from the Winter Gardens box office on 01843 296111, cost £12 each. The show starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday October 14.