In 1997 John Paul Anderson made a movie called Boogie Nights. It was set in the San Fernando Valley and charted the rise and fall of nightclub owner Eddie Adams in the world of pornographic films.

The same year Jon Conway and Shane Richie came up with the idea of a stage musical of the same name; but this was set in provincial Britain at the height of the 1970s disco craze.

It is this Boogie Nights that will be doing its thing at the Alhambra in March, featuring Bradford’s own Gareth Gates as Dean and three of the Osmond brothers: Merrill, Jay and Jimmy.

Speaking from Utah, Jimmy said: “We will be playing ourselves because we were a big part of the 1970s. We will also be doing great songs by other people - Superstition by Stevie Wonder.”

In 1972 Jimmy, not yet ten, was the youngest singer to have a UK Number 1 hit with the song that my generation loved to hate: Long Haired Lover From Liverpool.

“I realise that this is a fleeting thing. I never took myself very seriously. I have been the butt of a lot of jokes especially in the UK and I have laughed with people. It’s served me well because people realise I am comfortable with it. I surely never thought I would have the opportunities I have had.”

Such as producing a televison special for Jerry Lee Lewis which airs in the US in March.

“It was such a privilege to produce for a guy who was such a mentor for us all,” he said and went on to explain how the Osmonds had survived the big wheel of show business which did for Michael Jackson at the age of 50.

“It helps to have principles and beliefs, but beyond that it comes down to a support system. Mum and dad loved each other and sacrificed for us and taught us to do that for others. The world is more fun if you do things for other people.

“We have had financial struggles, health struggles, but the bond between us is stronger for that. I don’t know how my parents did it but I am grateful for it.”

He said a show like Boogie Nights connected with people because they already had the music inside them, having grown up with it. His job was to connect with them. He calls artists who bring audiences alive “fire-starters”.

“Over the years I have learned that if you connect with members of the audience by asking questions and making them feel a part of the experience, they will respond and the people round them will respond. I have seen Jerry Lee Lewis do that. It’s about pulling it out of them. I learned a long time ago that a great show isn’t about you, up there with your head in the air: it’s about letting people remember their lives,” he added.

Boogie Nights is at St George’s Hall on Friday, March 22, at 7.30pm. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.