CILLA Black was one of UK's most successful and best-loved entertainers.

A true national treasure who gave us memorable songs as Anyone Who Had A Heart, You're My World and Step Inside Love, the Liverpool born and brought up singer was at the heart of the British pop revolution of the 1960s and during her illustrious career had 19 UK Top 40 singles (including two, number one hits), released 15 studio albums, sold out concert venues across the planet and presented many iconic British television shows such as Blind Date while bringing up three sons with her husband, Bobby Willis.

However, on August 1, 2015, the nation was stunned when it was announced that Cilla had died at her holiday home in Spain, aged 72.

Now, a new and exciting show that celebrates the life and times of Cilla is touring the country.

Featuring top tunes by Cilla, The Beatles, Dusty Springfield and many more, Cilla and the Shades of the 60s plays The Grand Theatre, Lancaster, on Sunday, February 26 (7.30pm).

Centre stage as super Cilla is Victoria Jones.

Victoria grew up in a musical environment in Liverpool; from a very early age she was a fan of Kylie Minogue and by the time she was 15 she was performing Kylie tracks onstage in a cabaret-style act. She even performed on the BBC's The One And Only which led to work in a variety of venues, including cruise ships, casinos and theatres. However, the talented performer made her biggest impact in France, recording songs for Disney and the TV show Star Academy. She also toured with the country music band The Rodeo Girls and worked as a presenter, dancer and singer in numerous shows in Disneyland Paris.

Victoria has since worked alongside comedians and actors in a number of shows, including the hilarious Escorts - The Musical, and unleashed her wild side in the cult rock theatre show Vampires Rock.

In 2014 Victoria played Cilla Black in her own one-woman show, Liverbird. So with Cilla’s trademark looks and voice to match she was a natural choice for the producers of Cilla and the Shades of the 60s for the new 2017 touring show.

Victoria says she's always adored 1960s music as the songs of that era had such a raw sound which she loves. "I really think I was born in the wrong decade," admits Victoria. "Performing as Cilla gives me the opportunity to celebrate the fashion and sound of a generation of women who made a real difference in the music industry and across the world.

"When I travel around the country being a red headed Scouser I always get compared to Cilla (or Sheridan Smith). I do feel a connection there, she too was a bold girl from a working class background who just loved to perform. She really made huge changes for women back in the 60s. She could take on The Beatles, beat the big American stars with songs like Alfie, host her own TV show and made every 'normal' girl feel like big things were possible.

"Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to meet Cilla but my aunts used to see her out and about in Liverpool. Growing up I only knew Cilla as a TV presenter; it wasn't until later on in my teens I heard her music and was amazed by her vocal range. I used to do vocal impressions when I was younger so I quickly added Cilla to my list. I find her ballads beautiful and she's great at portraying heartbreak which is so moving to hear. Her passion has definitely inspired me."

In the show, Victoria is joined onstage by The Shades - singers Anna Slater, Emily Clarke, and Nicola Twardowski.

She adds: "The Shades are all so talented so it's great to share a stage with them. We all have great energy and chemistry together on stage and off."

Born near Manchester, Anna Slater started her singing career at the age of 19 where she worked as a lead vocalist for Bourne Leisure, sharing the stage with none other than the Moscow State Circus. She has her own production company, producing groups and solo artists to tour the UK and across the world.

Nicola Twardowski is a singer, dancer and choreographer from South Yorkshire. She's travelled worldwide with numerous shows and has worked in the West End in Thriller Live with choreographer Gary Lloyd, the Royal Shakespeare Company and with many other producers and session bands.

Emily Clark has performed as the young Dolly Parton and as the lead rock goddess in Vampires Rock and has sung in many shows nationally and internationally with Manchester-based Pink Productions. She lived in China for a time, building up a successful career as a freelance artist and singer.

"The biggest audience reaction we get is for You're My World," explains Victoria. "At that point in the show they’ve been through quite an emotional journey and it is such a powerful number. I absolutely love singing it as it was the first Cilla song I ever performed. Plus it's one of my dad's favourites."

Grand Theatre box office 01524-64695.