Charles has many people to thank for his successful music career - Elvis and the Big Bopper among them.

He is now paying homage to his idols in a theatre production that harks back to rock's glory days in the 50s and 60s, Radio Rock 'n' Roll.

"It's a family business and the whole show is about all of the characters that we have inside us, all the characters that got me to where I am today," Charles explains.

"But it's not just a sing-song show - it's funny and there is a story behind it. Mary-Lou, played by my wife Christina, is at the point in her life where she doesn't know what direction to take.

"One day, she goes home from work and turns on her favourite radio station, Radio Rock 'n' Roll, and her fantasy turns into reality. The characters come to life. The audiences can relive the characters from the 50s and 60s and the old radio commercials like Aeroplane Jelly and Mr Sheen.

"Then halfway through, Mary-Lou falls in love with her teen idol, Scotty Vincent, who comes and finds her. But you'll have to come and see the show to see how that ends up."

For the past few years, the couple have been writing and producing their own shows. It was a new experience for Charles, who had relied heavily on a management team since 1989.

"It has been really hard. The hardest thing was to let [the management team] go because it was my security blanket. So Christina had to work hard to convince me that I didn't need that, that we could do it alone.

"Then when I made the decision to go, I didn't work [on stage] for 12 months, we just poured our resources into re-establishing ourselves.

"It's been hard yakka but we're seeing a reward at the same time."

Charles says the secret to success is believing in yourself. "I believe I was meant to do this, because to get into this industry you have to give, give, give. You have to be able to give so much of yourself and not regret it. All my life I've had a passion for what I do, and I don't regret any of it. It's a passion that will remain with me until I'm buried."

Having grown up in Springvale, Charles says he is proud to be able to perform so close to home at the Drum Theatre.

Radio Rock 'n' Roll: A 50s and 60s Musical is on at 8pm, October 9 at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong. Tickets: adults $39, members $32 and concession $35.

Bookings: 9771 6666 or www.drumtheatre. com.au