Council crooner David Abrahall is a successful Frank Sinatra impersonator on the cabaret circuit

HE'S constantly crooning "come fly with me" and "fly me to the moon", but there's one place you'll never find Frank Sinatra impersonator David Abrahall - on a plane.

Although he's notched up a successful career performing as Ol' Blue Eyes, he has had to turn down offers to perform at some of the world's most glamorous venues because he's petrified of flying.

Mr Abrahall, 34, from Pitsea - who is a Tory councillor representing the Pitsea South East ward - has impressed Frank Sinatra's former singing buddies and relatives so much he's been invited to Palm Springs, New York and Las Vegas to perform.

But alas, he just can't take the trip.

He said: "I have a huge fear of flying. It's something I wish I could get over but I just can't.

"I've had to give up some amazing offers to perform in front of some remarkable people, but I just can't fly.

"It's weird because on stage all I do is seem to sing about flying!"

Mr Abrahall, who attended Chalvedon School, could be said to be one of the more interesting members of Basildon Council.

He said: "I get quite a lot of support from my fellow councillors. Many of them come to my shows to hear me sing.

"It's a different job to what most people do, but I absolutely love it. I make enough of a living now for this to be my career.

"I have to juggle my time a lot, but I also work hard to fulfill my duties as a councillor. I have always wanted to do something to improve Pitsea for local people and I'll keep on going."

Mr Abrahall, who performs under his stage name Dave Alacey, will be somewhat closer to home this Sunday when he takes his new show, Las Vegas Legends, to Westcliff's Palace Theatre.

The singer, who studied at London's Italia Conti Theatre School, will be starring alongside Barbra Streisand impersonator Tina Law and Elvis tribute act Neil J Duncan.

Together the trio will bring the glitz, glamour and great songs of three of the 20th century's biggest showbiz legends to the stage.

The ten-date touring production will also feature Vegas showgirl dancers and the Don Hunt Orchestra.

Mr Abrahall's partner Dawn Shultz, 35, will be starring as Nancy Sinatra in Sunday night's show.

Ticket prices start at £13.

Call the Palace box office on 01702 351135.

4:03pm Friday 4th April 2008

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