VETERAN crooner Max Bygraves takes to the stage in York on the first night of what could be his last tour.

The entertainer, who will mark 60 years in show business as he celebrates his 81st birthday in three weeks, will be joined on stage by York town crier and lifetime fan John Redpath.

Tonight's show will celebrate his career in cabaret and on the stage with songs and comedy from the past six decades.

His son, Anthony Bygraves, who wrote the show, said Max still loved to perform, but with family split between the UK and Australia, this could be his last tour. He said: "Max will be joined by the Beverly Sisters, who first worked with him in the Fifties, and are named in the Guinness book of records as entertainment's longest established female singing group."

John Redpath, who performs a stage tribute act to Max, said: "There's no bigger fan than me. I probably know his one-hour show better than he does!" Tickets are available by phoning the Grand Opera House box office on 01904 678703.

Updated: 10:59 Friday, September 19, 2003