Following a successful bid to the Arts Council of Wales, Neath-based theatre company Theatr na nÓg is thrilled to announce it will be embarking on a UK Tour of TOM: A story of Tom Jones. This theatre production with live songs will embark on its UK tour on St David’s Day 2014 (1 March) in Tom’s home-town of Pontypridd at the Muni Arts Centre, 49 years to the day that he had his first number 1!

The show will celebrate Tom’s early career and hard graft in the lead up to his rise to success and the hit number 1 single, It’s Not Unusual. Theatr na nÓg will reveal a story of the early years of Sir Tom Jones's life accompanied by rock and roll music of the time, performed live on stage.

Theatr na nÓg in association with Rhondda Cynon Taf and Neath Port Talbot Theatres, present TOM, a fascinating story of the Welsh legend and Valleys boy with an extraordinary talent. Tom has been through many makeovers during his time at the top of the charts.

We’ve seen his hip swivelling and pelvis thrusting moves. We’ve seen him collaborate with some of Wales’ and the world’s most successful artists. We’ve seen his cool, stylish demeanour on The Voice. But what was Tom like in the 60's at the start of his glittering career? Known then as Tommy Woodward from Treforest. TOM will offer you a glimpse into his early career in the Valleys.

Born Thomas John Woodward, on 7 June, 1940 in Treforest, the Welsh singer known worldwide for his singing talents and for selling over 100 million records, was awarded an OBE in 1999 and knighted by the Queen in 2006. Everyone has heard of him, but how many of us know of his past life before he rose to fame?

Writer Mike James, a prolific writer of theatre and Television is eagerly looking forward to seeing his work on stage.

‘ I first got the idea for this show curiously enough when listening to the great man talking on the Desert Island Discs. Here was a perfectly down to earth valleys boy talking about life in Wales much as I remember it myself. And yet he became one of the world’s greatest superstars! I wanted to know just exactly how that came about,’ explained Mike.

He concluded: ‘ What I discovered was a fascinating story of gritty determination, hardship and incredible good fortune that finally set Tom on his way to fame and glory. It was a tale worth telling -as I hope all who see this production will agree!’

Theatr na nÓg's Artistic Director, Geinor Styles is delighted to be directing this theatre piece that sees the audience being given the opportunity to delve into the history of Tom.

' With a live band on stage - the production is infectious, emotional and gritty. It tells the story of the blossoming talent of Tom Jones who sings in pubs and clubs up and down the South Wales valleys, his hard graft and tenacity to succeed until his big break in 1965.'

Geinor added: ' Mike James (originally from Ebbw Vale) gave us the English language script in 2012. It was a complete script and it's so obvious that Mike is very enthusiastic and passionate about it. In 2012, we presented a workshop version and the response was incredible. A year on, we are delighted to be given the opportunity to share this inspirational tale.’

Geoff Cripps, Artistic Director at RCT Theatres, “RCT Theatres is delighted to be co-producing TOM with Theatr na nÓg and Neath Port Talbot Theatres. The subject is an absolutely perfect fit for us given that the living legend is a local boy gone global! The Muni Arts Centre and the whole of the Cultural Services/RCT

The tour commences at Muni, Pontypridd between March 1 and 8 (visit http://muni.rct-arts.org/en/ for details) , with further Welsh dates in Carmarthen, Rhyl and Neath.