LONDON in the 60s and hits from the era form the backdrop for a new musical coming to Bournemouth Pavilion.

Carnaby Street has been written by music agent Carl Leighton-Pope using memories from his teenage years working at the Marquee Club in the capital and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Rod Stewart, The Who and The Yardbirds.

Carl has gone on to work with artists including Bryan Adams and Michael Buble but has taken time out to write and produce the new musical.

He said: “In 1964 I was an 18-year-old Mod riding scooters and I fought the rockers on the beaches. Soho was very exciting in the 1960s and I got a job working five nights a week at the Marquee and after that I was only ever going to work in the music business.”

Carl was living at his dad’s pub nearby and would see music stars at Carnaby Street when he met his friends there on Saturdays.

“I was in the middle of it all and bought my clothes in Carnaby Street,” Carl added.

“I lived two streets away and when we were there we would see Mick Jagger or Keith Moon walking about.”

Carnaby Street is directed by Bob Tomson, of Blood Brothers and Dreamboats & Petticoats and the cast includes Aaron Sidwell, who played Steven Beale in Eastenders. It tells the story of a teenage boy following his dream to become a rock star and more than 30 classic hits from the time including Keep On Running and Twist and Shout.

Paul Griffiths, general manager at the Bournemouth Pavilion said he is looking forward to having a night of 1960s nostalgia.

He said: “It’s great to host yet another brand new hit musical at the Bournemouth Pavilion offering local residents and visitors to the town one of the freshest and most vibrant musical productions currently touring the UK.”

Carnaby Street is at the Pavilion from June 25 to June 29.