A FORMER heavyweight wrestler has been getting to grips with country music since his retirement. Neil Sands – known as The Golden Boy in his wrestling days – retired from the ring in the late 1980s and branched out into a career as a cabaret entertainer.

A FORMER heavyweight wrestler has been getting to grips with country music since his retirement.

Neil Sands - known as The Golden Boy in his wrestling days - retired from the ring in the late 1980s and branched out into a career as a cabaret entertainer.

Now he stars in Nashville Nights and Dixie Days at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage.

He has appeared in many theatre tours, alongside big names such as Mike Read and Bobby Davro. But eight years ago he fulfilled his long-term ambition.

He said: "I had been given my first guitar when I was eight years old and from that day had always wanted to go on stage singing country music".

He continued: "For this show we have managed to fit in almost 60 of everyone's favourite country songs.

"So whether you are a fan of Patsy Cline or Shania Twain or anything in between you will love the show.

"It's a real mixture of old and new country music."

He added: "As anyone who remembers my wrestling days knows, I have always been a showman and guarantee that this show will be a night to remember."

A band of five musicians and two female singers will join the guitar-playing and singing Neil for a real feel-good night.

The show takes place at 7.45pm on Thursday, March 29.

Tickets, at £15.50, are available from the box office on 08700 131 030 or online at www.gordon-craig.co.uk