The interview gets off to a great start when I tell David Essex that Gonna Make You A Star, his 1974 number-one hit, was the first record I ever bought.

"Good man, you've obviously got good taste!" he chuckles.

I'm the last of six journalists to interview him as he promotes the musical Boogie Nights 2, but trooper that he is, he's as friendly and as happy to talk as he was with the first reporter even after 30-odd years of giving interviews.

He's excited about bringing the show to the Churchill Theatre in Bromley at the end of August because it's one of the few in the country that he's never performed in.

"It's a bit too small for a rock concert, but great for a play. I wouldn't have done this show if it had been in the West End because it would get me down playing in the same place night after night. With this we move round."

Don't forget he's a gipsy at heart and is even a patron of the Gipsy Council which aims to improve conditions for travellers in Britain.

"I like the fact with a stage play it lives and breathes for a moment and then it's over. It's like the momentum of a rock concert. Then you move on to the next night."

He hadn't planned any live performances this year, instead he was going to work on a new album provisionally titled It's Going To Be All Right, which is due out next year.

But the role of St Peter was specially written for David in the musical which tells the story of a man who has a near-fatal accident and sees his whole life flashing before him played out to an 80s soundtrack which includes David's own hit Me and My Girl Nightclubbing.

"I didn't know it was written especially for me, until someone told me earlier," he says modestly. "I like the fact it's got a decent story and some great 80s songs. I get to play this celestial guy and wear a pair of wings."

I suggest that this is reminiscent of his first stage role, Jesus Christ in Godspell the role that shot his to fame in the early 70s.

"I hadn't thought of that!" he laughs.

When asked if he sees himself as primarily a singer or an actor, he says: "I see myself as lucky.

"Lots of people do jobs they don't like doing but I do something I love. I don't see myself as better than other people just because I'm famous. It's all about communication."

Which is something David seems very good at. He still has that cheeky chappie, loveable rogue image, even at the age of 57, and admits he's "bemused and bewildered" that women still regard him as a sex symbol. "Maybe that's the charm," he says. "I never chatted up anyone in my life I wouldn't know how to!"

He also rarely gives interviews these days. "I'm not a great self-promoter. That's why I disappear for periods of time. Then when I'm involved in a project like this obviously I have to talk about it."

So what does he do when he disappears?' "When I'm not working on something I love my sport, especially cricket and football."

It will be a while before he has time for sport though as he plans to tour with Boogie Nights 2 until May, release his new album then tour at the end of 2005.

Boogie Nights 2, which picks up 10 years after Boogie Nights runs from August 26 to September 4. Tickets cost £18.50 to £24.50.

Call the box office on 0870 060 662