One of the UK’s highest-rated tribute shows comes to the Isle of Man next weekend, and it features the talents of one of the island’s many singers and stage actors who have forged a career in the UK.

Jonathan Eio¸ is one of four singers who will perform the music tribute show Walk Like a Man at the Peel Centenary Centre next week.

The show is a tribute to the 60s vocal group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and will see Jonathan and his fellow singers Thomas Sutcliffe, who has appeared on the West End in the musical ’Wicked’, Ian Curran and Michael Riseley, who has appeared in the West End production of ’Les Miserable’, sing all of the songs that made the group famous, such as ’Sherry’, Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and the show’s title track ’Walk Like a Man’.

’It really takes you on a journey through the career of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons,’ said Jonathan.

’It grew out of the successful show Jersey Boys, which was also about the Four Seasons. The show was a huge success and our show was created by members of the cast.

’Jersey Boys was a hugely popular show. People seem to be crying out for a show featuring that kind of music. It is a really fun and feel good show full of great music and wonderful dance routines.

’It features all of the songs, the dances and a lot of the personality of Frankie and his music. There are also a lot of stories and jokes about him and his career.

’It is a really fun and feel good show full of great music and wonderful dance routines, and has won the title of best UK tribute show for the past three years now, which is incredible when you think of how many there are.’

Jonathan left the island in 2002, has been a member of the cast of ’Walk Like a Man’ for seven years.

Since then, the show has taken him all over the world, performing at some exotic locations.

’It has literally taken us all over the world,’ he said.

’We have just finished a three month run on board a cruise ship, which was been sailing in the Caribbean.’

Jonathan grew up in Glen Maye, attending the QEII High school, and appearing in many of the local productions before moving to London in 2002 to pursue his full-time career in acting and singing.

’I just thought that it was about time I brought it to the Isle of Man, which is the place where I grew up,’ he said.

’And also, I love performing at the Peel Centenary Centre. It is a lovely theatre and I would like to support it as much as I can.

’I used to take part in the pantos, with the Peel Pantoloons, and I also sung at a lot of productions at the Gaiety Theatre.

’I mainly performed with the Manx Operatic Society, and have been in things like Chess, West Side Story and shows like that.

’Although I moved to London in 2002, I still travel back and forth quite a bit, as my mother still lives on the island.’

’I did a show for three years running, called ’Jonathan Eio¸ and Friends’, at the Centenary Centre, with singers such as Ben Hartley and Danielle Duncan. I haven’t done one since 2012, so maybe it is I should organise another!’

Jonathan has since enjoyed a busy and successful career as a touring singer and stage actor, and was the musical director for a pantomime version of Peter Pan, in Lowestoft, starring Eastenders star Sid Owen, over Christmas .

He has also recently branched out in lecturing in musical performance and theatrical studies.

There are two performances of ’Walk Like A Man’ on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 2.30pm and 8pm, with tickets priced at £18.

The evening show has sold out, but there are still tickets available for the afternoon matinee, available from Celtic Gold, in Michael Street, Peel, or online from etickets.im/cc

by Mike Wade

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