Even after 40 years in the business Jimmy Osmond’s enthusiasm has not waned.
“I started performing at three years old so it’s natural for me to be involved in projects like this. I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t performing.”
Of Boogie Nights, he says: “The show is packed with hit after hit and the audiences love it.
“We're all having so much fun doing it, it's amazing.”
Jimmy owns a successful production and advertising company in the USA, “but that’s boring,” he said.
“Live theatres are the most fun of all.”
“We see everyone from grandmas, who loved the songs the first time around, to teenagers who are experiencing the hits of the seventies for the first time, on their feet and singing along.”
“They are the songs that everyone loves and everyone knows the words to no matter their age, that's the great thing.”
The star-studded cast includes Gareth Gates, EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton, X Factor favourites Andy Abrahams and Chico and Jimmy’ s brothers, Merrill and Jay.
Despite their high profiles, Jimmy insists there are no diva strops or mood swings back stage.
“We’re snug as bugs in rugs on that tour bus, so it’s a good job we get on.
“My brothers and I grew up as part of a team so we’re very used to living like that. Each cast member brings their own colour and energy and we just want to have fun.”
The story line follows the trials and tribulations of lovers Debs and Roddy and their best friends, Terry and Trish.
The backdrop of the local disco sets the perfect scene for the character’s lives to be told through song.
Dancefloor favourites such as Burn Baby Burn, YMCA and Disco Inferno prove irresistible to audiences, said Jimmy.
“They get to their feet and everyone’s dancing and having a great time which is our job.”
“I’ve been to West End musicals where people will stand up and dance for the last song, but I’ve never seen one where there’s this much audience participation.
“Although the last number is my favourite,” he admits.
The finale mega-mix reprise of the show’s biggest numbers brings the evening to an end on a high.
I got a sneak preview as Jimmy broke into You To Me Are Everything by The Real Thing down the phone, which was pretty special!
And what would an evening with the Osmonds be without a performance of Puppy Love?
The brothers will join Gareth Gates to sing the hit that famously catapulted brother Donny to solo fame in 1972.
“This music is the music of our lives. The 70s haven’t gone away,” said Jimmy.
“Boogie Nights is like the Grease of the seventies; people will love every song.”
Other favourites include If You Leave Me Now, Le Freak and We Are Family.
And talking of family, how does Jimmy feel about still working with his brothers?
“They’re all right” he joked.
“No, we love each other and that’s pretty clear after nearly 50 years performing together. You can’t fake it for that many years!”
“We have our rows and a few cross words, but they never mean anything; I’m very lucky to get along with them all,” he added.
It seems the Osmonds’ squeaky-clean image is The Real Thing.
* Boogie Nights is at The Beck Theatre in Grange Road, Hayes on Saturday, March 9, at 2pm and 8pm, £35.50.
