DIRECT from the USA, and hailed as ‘the world’s most successful Elvis tribute artiste of all time’, Shawn Klush is set to perform on Poole’s Lighthouse stage next week.

Shawn Klush first made his name on BBC One’s search for The World’s Greatest Elvis, hosted by Vernon Kaye, when six million UK viewers tuned in to see him win the title.

Shawn was also crowned the first ever ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion’ in Memphis, Tennessee at the inaugural tribute contest to be held by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

On the back of his success, Shawn embarked on a world tour, performing to thousands of fans in theatres and arenas across the USA, South America, Europe and Australia.

Now he is touring the UK and is joined by the world renowned Dean Z, who will perform ‘The Early Years’ and, together with a live orchestra and production, they will help create, “the greatest Elvis spectacle on earth”.

In the words of Estelle Brown who, as a member of The Sweet Inspirations, did over 1000 performances with Elvis himself: “Working with Elvis was indescribable. It was absolutely fantastic and he was the perfect gentleman. He was just a humble guy, a really wonderful person. We used to say ‘hey boss, hey boss’ but he’d say ‘I’m not your boss, I’m your brother’. That’s how he was; we became a family. Just as people loved Elvis, Elvis loved people. He was a real people person. That was his life. Shawn is the closest that anyone will ever get to him. I’m not saying he’s exactly Elvis, but he’s as close as anyone will ever get.”

n The Shawn Klush Elvis World Tour is at Lighthouse on Thursday, May 17 at 7.30pm. To book, visit lighthousepoole.co.uk