LEAD singer of rock group ‘The Doctors of Madness’ – Richard Strange – is set to perform an intimate gig in Halesowen this week.

The singer, actor and writer will bring his one-man show ‘An Accent Waiting To Happen’ to Halesowen Athletic Club from 7.30pm on Friday (July 13).

Organiser Mark Moran said he initially asked Richard to perform in the workshop behind his Hagley Road opticians as a joke – before the singer responded saying he would.

Mark said: “I saw Richard’s band The Doctors of Madness at Birmingham Town Hall in the 70s. They were weird, witty and a breath of fresh air from the typical rock stars of the time.

“The band never achieved great commercial success however, and I heard nothing more about them until I stumbled upon Richard’s autobiography by chance about 10 years ago.

“It was a book I couldn't put down. Incredible stories of his life in music, media, theatre and the entertainment industry.

“The Doctors of Madness had reformed for a farewell tour this year but their Birmingham O3 gig in March was cancelled.

“I put a message on the website saying: ‘That's such a shame - Why not play at my SHAC instead?!’ – the SHAC is a workshop at the back of my shop.

“It was a joke – but resulted in a reply from Mr Strange himself saying: ‘Why not? Sounds fun!’ I couldn't believe it, and it developed from there.”

Due to the size of the SHAC at Spex Maniax being too small, Mark has moved the gig to the athletic club, which he promises to be an “amazing night”.

He added: “The evening promises to be highly entertaining and something quite different – and there are no World Cup matches being played on that day.”

Tickets – which cost £7, with all proceeds from the gig going to charity – are available from Spex Maniax Opticians, or by calling Mark on 0121 550 7977 or 07973 779496.