This August 29, experience the brilliance of Roy Orbison's music as Mark Shelley takes you back in time and brings the legendary singer-songwriter to life on the Orange Civic Theatre stage.

Mark Shelley has now been wowing audiences around Australia with his characterisation of Roy in ‘The Roy Orbison Story’.

Not only does he have the vocal range and tone to honour Orbison’s songs, but Mark also has the sensitivity and artistic ability that will have you believing you are in the presence of the Big O himself.

“So the essence of the show is about Roy Orbison, the man and his music,” Mark explains.

“I tell Roy's story essentially from the character, through his eyes, playing the part of Roy. And it’s a story from the early days in the late 50s right through until the Travelling Wilburys period.

“Just snippets of things that happened, some tragic losses and some incredible highlights and personalities that he met throughout that time. We give the audience an insight into his life and his thinking.”

With a seven-piece band behind him, Mark performs 20 classic hits from through Orbison’s career including: ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘Running Scared’, ‘Sweet Dream Baby’, ‘Candy Man’, ‘Blue Bayou’, ‘In Dreams’, ‘Anything You Want’, ‘Crying’, ‘Workin’ for the Man’, ‘Pretty Woman’, and many more.

Mark’s own fascination with Orbison’s music stretches back decades. Initially, like so many others, he says he was mesmerised by Orbison’s voice, but has since developed a deep admiration for his songwriting.

“He didn't take just the normal form and do it; all his songs were really quite different,” he explains.

“So a song like ‘Running Scared’ is one that pops into my mind because of the different form of it. It doesn't have verse, chorus, bridge; it actually builds like an operetta, right to the crescendo at the end.

“There was something very unique to Orbison’s songwriting, and I've never got bored - even though I've done, I don't know how many hundred shows - never once have I found any of the songs a disappointment to do.”

Mark has now been touring ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ for three years, with fans sometimes returning to see the show two or three times.

But even so, Mark is still surprised by the wide appeal and drawing power of Roy Orbison, nearly forty years after his death.

“Just last week we had three generations: grandparents, parents and then their kids who would have been in their 20s,” Mark says.

“And in one way, I'm not surprised just because of the quality of it and the charismatic nature of the character, but in another way I am because his initial hits were in the sixties and so to still have so many fans of his work now is quite remarkable.”

Following his performances, Mark does a meet-and-greet in character and says it’s always amazing to know he’s been able to bring ‘Roy’ to life for his fans

“The personal stories that people tell me… how Orbison influenced their lives so much, or how they went on their first date to an Orbison concert, that kind of thing is really quite lovely, Mark says. “That response, that people come see the show and it has them suspend their disbelief for 100-odd minutes, is really special.”

See ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ at the Orange Civic Theatre 7.20 pm on Saturday, August 29. Tickets at Ticketek or call 6393 8111.