First class Hornchurch Elvis impersonator to take on tribute competition
Elvis impersonator Nicky Hart about to enter an Elvis impersonator competition - Credit: Archant
A postman is sending a message that he is king of the tribute acts when he take part in an impersonator competition.
Nicky Hart has been donning the rhinestone jumpsuits for his moonlight role as an Elvis entertainer for the past eight years and this will be his first competition.
“Most of the Elvis competitions are up North or in Wales so it’s really nice to have one this far south,” he said.
“Usually there’s nothing before Birmingham and this one is in Norwich.”
Nicky, of Acacia Avenue, Hornchurch, became a fan of the “King” at a young age by watching old movies with his parents and listening to their records.
You may also want to watch:
“I just really liked Elvis,” said the 31-year-old. “Now I go out on stage and do a whole range of songs from the 50s, right through to the 70s, wearing the wigs and costumes.
“I love it and I’d love to do it full time, but there’s not enough work to keep me going.”
Most Read
- 1 Shoppers and traders enjoy Romford market and high street in the sunshine
- 2 Man and woman assaulted at Upminster Station
- 3 Harold Wood residents delighted as deer graze outside their windows
- 4 'I'm appalled at no-show bookings as pubs reopen'
- 5 Romford swimmer calls for volunteers to take plunge for hospice
- 6 Covid hospital admissions and deaths in stark decline, NHS trust data shows
- 7 Upminster student completes 4x4x48 Challenge for Saint Francis Hospice
- 8 Romford new age shop to reopen again after closure years ago
- 9 Mayoral election 2021: how will candidates improve east London?
- 10 Council cannot 'justify' stronger bollards after fifth crash in 18 months
Nicky has worked as a postman since he left school and started off as a cadet.
“I think I was one of the last bunch of postal cadets to go in and I’ve been doing it for 15 years now,” he explained.
“I get a lot of support from the Post Office and my friends who often come to support my shows if they’re nearby.”
The King impersonator said he still feels the nerves before a performance despite emanating Elvis’ charm and charisma on stage.
“I remember being really nervous before my first gig in Rainham of all places and I have become more confident over time.
“I will always get
nervous but it’s good nervous.”
It’s no surprise Nicky can get a little apprehensive when heading on to the stage as occasionally women seem to forget it’s not the real deal and throw themselves at the posing postie.
“My fiancée might not be very happy if I say some stories, but there’s always security and the women are taken away if they’re too drunk,” he said.
The competition will take place later this year and will be one of the most far flung gigs for the impersonator who normally performs around London and Essex.
With a few months to practise Nicky’s fiancée and their cat, Penelope, will be lucky enough to hear his set before anyone else.
