Joe’s Pinball Wizard has the X-Factor

Joe McElderry as Tommy and Antony Costa as Cousin Kevin rehearsing around the piano for their stint in Tommy at the Blackpool Opera House.

Joe is joined on stage at the Opera House by fellow singing star Antony Costa, one quarter of boy band Blue for the past 15 years, who will play the role of Cousin Kevin.

The multi award winning adaptation of the original chart topping album tells a powerful tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an international messiah.

And Joe says while the role is a challenge it is one he can’t wait to bring to the stage.

“Tommy is a fantastic show to be part of and to be staging the premiere in Blackpool is a great opportunity.”

Tommy opens on Saturday and plays to September 26.

It is directed by stage and screen star Paul Nicholas who starred alongside Elton John, Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in the 1975 film.

The new show coincides with the 40th anniversary of the film.

Tommy was first performed by The Who in 1968 and was conceived by Pete Townsend and Kit Lambert with contributions by fellow Who members John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Roger Daltrey.

Antony Costa is also no stranger to the world of musical theatre.

Following the disbanding of Blue in 2005 he took to the West End stage to perform as Micky Johnstone in the Willy Russell musical Blood Brothers.

After rave reviews he went on to appear in several other productions.

Box office: 01253 629666 or www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk