THE sounds of soul are being brought to Teesside by two genuine Blues Brothers.

Jake and Elwood Blues, original names William Smith-Eccles and Mark Moore, were so inspired by the Blues Brothers film they decided to change their names by deed poll to match the brothers in the iconic 1980 movie.

The two performers arrive at Middlesbrough Theatre next week to recreate the stage version of the hit film, famed for its epic car chase scene and appearances by stars that included Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles.

The Jake and Elwood show is backed by soul group the Black Rhino Band, and includes a £20,000 set and original US state trooper car.

The show also marks the 25th anniversary of the film, which starred John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd.

Jake Blues, 50, from Derbyshire, said: "I used to be in a soul band and it was the music in the film that did it for me.

"I had to change my name by deed poll, although I never told my wife. We had to go to the bank to sort the mortgage out and the bank manager kept calling me Jake.

"When he left the office for a moment, my wife turned to me and said, 'Why does he keep calling you that?' That's how she found out."

Tickets for the show, on Friday, June 3, at 7.30pm, cost £14.50 and concessions £12.50. For more information, call the theatre box office on (01642) 815181.

Published: 26/05/2005