RICHARD Carpenter - the one half of the famous brother and sister Carpenters duo - is said to have been very flattered by the "very accurate and faithful portrayal" put on by tribute act The Carpenters Story.

This highly acclaimed concert-style production celebrates the music of one of the most successful pop duos in music history, Richard and Karen Carpenter.

First created back in 1986 by its founder Phil Aldridge, The Carpenters Story was one of the UK’s very first tribute-style shows of its kind. Now over three decades later the show has stood the test of time, having entertained sell-out audiences throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

The latest production - coming to the Cliffs Pavilion on June - stars the internationally renowned Claire Furley, who is said to have "remained unsurpassed" in her uncanny representation of Karen Carpenter.

Claire’s vocal harmonies, combined with state of the art video projection and live band, promise to take you on an incredible journey through the legend that was The Carpenters.

The show features all the classics, We’ve Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, Please Mr Postman, Rainy Days and Mondays, and more.

Tickets are on sale from £18.50 up to £23.50, available from southendtheatres.org.uk