AS THE world found itself clamped strongly within the vice-like grip of Jason Mania, the multi-talented singer actor and dancer found himself leaving Australia to embark on his first world tour.

His stop in Bournemouth was where he was sized up for a career defining role.

Doin' Fine was the title of Jason Donovan's in 1990 and local fans doing better than fine when they learnt that the superstar was to deliver two live performance at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Each gig was performed to a sell-out capacity of 4,100 fans and extra safety precautions were drafted in to help cope with the hysterical and star-struck fans.

Despite the extra provisions, 140 fans needed first aid – the most the venue had seen since BROS played in the town two years earlier.

More than 2,000 youngsters arrived at the BIC from as early as 6am to see their heart-throb hero.

They were allowed to wait on the first level of the centre's adjoining multi-story carpark and shelter from the rain before doors finally opened at 6.30pm.

They called for their hero, shouting "We want Jason", singing their idols hit songs and munching chips, crisps and sandwiches.

Youngsters splashed out hard-saved pocket money on £9 t-shirts, silk scarves, posters and souvenir programmes.

Among the enthusiastic crowd was Andre Lloyd-Webber.

The musical maestro did not have tickets but settled for a spot at the mixing desk for much of the concert before disappearing backstage amid speculation he might have been sizing up the singing talents of 22-year old Jason for the part of Joseph in the Smash hit musical Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The rest is history.