Sat before me in the back of a black stretch limo was the sassy vixen from Smokey Joe's Cafe looking debonair in her ostrich feathers.

In reality the actress Tashaka Francis is a sweet 22-year-old slightly overwhelmed by the whole star treatment, but looking forward to her imminent opening at the Cliffs Pavilion on Monday.

The production company of the hit musical Smokey Joe's Cafe was sending out the lead characters for interviews in the back of a limousine, with champagne flowing.

Far from living the heady lifestyle, Tashaka plumped for water instead of champagne. I refused as well -- do you know how difficult it is to write, ask questions and drink while being driven round the streets of Southend?

This is Tashaka's first professional theatrical assignment since graduating from the Italia Conti Performing Arts Academy in 1993.

Before joining the show she enjoyed success as a backing singer and dancer, appearing on Top of the Pops and the Big Breakfast backing the singer Ginnie. She then became part of a vocal harmony group based in Glasgow, but left because of musical differences.

This is her first big musical and so far she's having a ball.

Tashaka said: "I don't get bored doing the show every night because for the audience it's always their first night so you feed off them. They are always up and dancing by the end of the show."

Smokey Joe's Cafe features many classic songs from across the decades, including Stand By Me, Jailhouse Rock, Pearl's A Singer and the big number Teach Me How to Shimmy.

It has been nominated for Olivier and seven Tony awards since it opened on Broadway and in the West End.

The show opens on Monday night at the Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend, running until Saturday October 31. For tickets call the box office on 01702 351135.

n Hoping no one's put out -- Melody Jones and Tashaka of the cast of Smokey Joe's Cafe try their hand at using a fireman's hose

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.