ON SUNDAY the legend that is Gene Pitney will be appearing on stage at The Anvil in Basingtoke.

They say that it takes talent to reach the pinnacle of success in international show business, and it takes even more talent to stay there, which is why you can't miss Gene at the Basingstoke theatre because he's stayed at the top for over 40 years.

Gene isn't just a singer; he's a songwriter and entertainer with a string of million-selling hits his to his credit including Town Without Pity and Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa.

He has maintained an appeal that encompasses every single part of the record-buying public, working with such artists as The Rolling Stones, Phil Spector and the legendary Burt Bacharach.

In 1990, Gene found new success in an entirely different market with his global number one duet with Marc Almond, Something's Gotten Hold of my Heart.

The result was a massive demand from the contemporary market while older fans wanted new recordings.

Gene is sure to perform enough material to cater for both of these audiences on Sunday.

If you can't get tickets for Sunday, don't fret as Gene is also performing at the Portsmouth Guildhall on Monday and the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth on Wednesday.

The Anvil, Basingstoke; tickets: from £19; box office: 01256 844244. Portsmouth Guildhall; tickets: from £19, box office: 023 9282 4355. The Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth; tickets: from £17; box office: 0870 1113000.