A NEW musical featuring the work of Whitley resident Pete Waterman is in the works.

Pete, who has lived in the area for many years, has written songs for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Rick Astley.

Now, however, he discusses a new musical that features the work of his record label Stock Aitken Waterman: 'I Should Be So Lucky.'

When asked why now was the time for a musical using the work of SAW, Pete said: "I’d previously worked with a couple of people on it, but I think we’d never seen a story that was of any interest to us.

"Nobody came up with a story that we thought was emotional enough – they are very emotional songs and I think people didn’t get that.

"I guess nobody before had understood why the lyrics were so poignant.

"Yes, they were hits, but they were more than hits to the people that bought them, they were statements, particularly for young people.

"We’ve always guarded that, we never wanted to spoil that memory."

Warrington Guardian: Pete's most famous song, he says, is Rick Astley's hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up'Pete's most famous song, he says, is Rick Astley's hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' (Image: Newsquest)

Popstar Kylie fits into the show, too, with Pete adding: "I was as sceptical as the next man, but it does work quite brilliantly within the show.

"I’ve been so busy doing TV and other things that I couldn’t get to London to see her in rehearsals, but I’m doing a show with her soon, so we’ll get to catch up then."

Pete was asked what he hopes audiences will take from the show - he said: "I hope audiences have fun with this show.

"This musical couldn’t have been timed better.

"We’re currently in a world that’s all over the place, I mean, we just need a bit of uplift as we’ve got enough grief."

'I Should Be So Lucky' plays at the Liverpool Empire Theatre from April 15-20.