Singer-songwriter Chesney Hawkes stars as the lead in Can't Smile Without You, with his love interest Mandy played by Siobhan Dillon of BBC show How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria? fame.

Francesca Jackson plays fiancée Lucy, and relishes appearing in a musical with a Manilow score.

She told Live!: "I remember listening to his music when I was really young, and I have it on my iPod. It's amazing how many songs you know, that you didn't realise were his.

"The show's not a factual story about Barry Manilow — it's fictional and his music links the story together.

"The story evolves round Tony, who is engaged to Lucy. He is offered a chance at stardom on his stag weekend and falls in love with a girl called Mandy.

"When he gets back he finds out I've been cheating on him with his best man. They get in a fight, and Tony loses his memory and can't remember he's engaged to me.

"It's all about his love of music and his feelings for Mandy."
She went on: "I remembered Chesney with his hit The One and Only, and it's mad that I'm working alongside him. He's a really down-to-earth
guy and we all have good fun in the cast."

Francesca (24) is professionally trained in musical theatre, having completed a three-year degree course at Mountview theatre school in London.

She said: "I always remember doing musical theatre when I was tiny. I was in Oliver at the Palladium, and played Joanne in Rent, then straight after that I got my job on Can't Smile Without You."

The show has been touring the UK and is coming to Glasgow from Hull, then will continue to tour until November 29.

Francesca said: "After that it will either go to the West End or tour again next year."

Can't Smile Without You runs until Saturday 25th October, with a matinee on Saturday. Tickets start at £11. Call the box office on 0870 060 6648.