HE'S widely regarded as the greatest showman who ever lived, now the spirit of Freddie Mercury comes to Cheltenham.

Mercury have firmly established themselves as one of the world's most authentic tributes to the charismatic frontman and the legend that is Queen.

For more than 10 years, the band has performed to sellout audiences at prestigious venues across the world, playing to in excess of a million people

– from Holland to Hungary and from Majorca to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Other prestigious shows include headlining a New Year's Eve festival in Dubai, which was broadcast live to millions via MTV Asia, as well as an exclusive concert for Queen's own Roger Taylor.

The band were even asked to perform at the unveiling of the Freddie Mercury memorial in Feltham, South London, in 2009, in front of the star's family and Brian May.

Mercury's dynamic stage show faithfully recreates the distinctive Queen experience, with the extraordinary vocal range and outstanding delivery of Joseph Lee Jackson as Freddie Mercury and the intricate guitar work of Glenn Scrimshaw as Brian May, backed by superbly crafted harmonies and a driving rhythm section.

This tour promises memorable performances of the most popular Queen hits from the height of their reign as well as some additional tracks from the band's vast back catalogue.

Tickets cost from £14.

Elaine McLaren