IN 1974, The Rolling Stones released a single called “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll (But I Like It)”.

The chorus goes: “I said I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like it. I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like it, like it, yes, I do. Oh, well, I like it, I like it, I like it...”

The sentiment of being a rock ‘n’ roller is something which resonates with singer/actor Rebel Dean, who will be at The Brewhouse in Taunton next month.

He will be starring in Whole Lotta Shakin, which tells the rags to riches rise of 1980s icon, Shakin Stevens.

Rebel said: “I have always been a rock ‘n’ rol fan. I grew up with this style of music and felt the electricity of the music of the mid 1950s. It made a connection with me which has stayed with me. It was unusual for someone to be into this music in the mid 1970s when everybody I was with at school was into punk or new wave music. But for me rock ‘n’ roll was a style of music I could relate to. When I was at school I even had the nickname of Shaky as I was a Shakin Stevens fan.”

Shakin Stevens had phenomenal success in the UK singles pop charts. In the UK, Stevens has charted 33 Top 40 hit singles including four charttopping hits “This Ole House”, “Green Door”, “Oh Julie”, and “Merry Christmas Everyone”.

It was the style, charisma and success which Rebel tapped into when in 1998 he came up with the idea for a Whole Lotta Shakin.

He took it to a producer who told him it was a great idea but it was not nostalgic enough to be a hit now and so Rebel had to wait until the time was right-the 21st century.

Rebel said: “When I am Shaky on stage it is all natural. I think what helps me is I am a singer/ actor and when I am in a part I stay in character while the show is running.”

As eagle eyed music fans will notice the title of this musical is actually a Jerry Lee Lewis hit song, Rebel said it could have easily been called Shakin All Over, a song by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates or given a Shakin Stevens song like Green Door.

Whole Lotta Shakin’ in Taunton at 7.30pm on April 14.

Tickets £19.50 buy online at thebrewhouse.net or by call the box office 01823 283244.