NOBODY should mistake this for one of those endless tribute shows that fill theatres these days.

This is a proper play, not a song catalogue. Joe Meek, whose "music, mayhem, madness" story it tells, had a relatively short career but produced one of the biggest hits of the early 1960s, Telstar, and others such as Johnny Remember Me and Have I The Right that those of more mature years may recall.

His place in pop music history is undeniable. He was the first independent record producer - making records in his studio in his flat over a handbag shop in North London - and his colourful, if troubled, personal life ensures no shortage of drama. He was homosexual at a time it was illegal, lusted after Heinz, the singer he discovered, and ended up shooting his landlady and then himself.

Writers Nick Moran and James Hicks have plenty of material - perhaps too much for a two-act play - which they turn into a portrait of a musical artist slowly going off his head. This allows Con O'Neill to deliver a towering performance as the pill-popping, sexually confused Meek, a troubled genius who makes hit records despite being tone deaf and dismisses an unknown Merseybeat combo called The Beatles as "rubbish".

Despite the tragedy unfolding, the play is often outrageously funny, as Meek makes a play for Adam Rickitt's endearingly dopey Heinz Burtz, argues over the rent with his not-unsympathetic landlady Mrs Shenton (Linda Robson in an underwritten role) and presides over unconventional recording sessions.

* Runs until Saturday at York Grand Opera House (tickets 0870 606 3595) then at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday to February 19 (tickets 01325 486 555).

Published: 11/02/2005