Singing plumber of Dinnington in debut gig sell-out

Paul Ballington organised the event at Dinnington’s Lyric Theatre on September 5 in the hope of selling more than the 100 tickets needed to break even on the night to help fund the recording of an EP.

But this week he admitted to being “stunned” by the response for tickets after over 200 flew out of the venue’s box office in just two days.

Dad-of-two Paul (38), of Throapham, near Dinnington, said: “I’ve sung at pubs and do occasionally sing at weddings, but this is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“To see the tickets sell so well was amazing. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Last summer, Paul performed at the Tour De Yorkshire’s Tour Celebration in York after being invited by organisers to perform his purpose-penned track Get on Your Bike.

That song’s success followed the YouTube success of Santa Claus, Am I Naughty or Nice? — recorded to raise funds for Parents’ Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia, which is based at Sheffield Children’s Hospital — and World Cup track England In Brazil.

One of his new tracks, which parodies the activities of accident claim companies, was recently transformed with the addition of an animated video.

But Paul suggested that the YouTube production — created by Bigscene TV — might not be for his usual family audience.

He said: “The video is great, I love it, but it is a little bit cheeky.

“All my stuff is created for the comedy value as much as the music and it can, sometimes be adult-themed — I just hope people like it.”

For more information about Paul and his music, visit Paul “Ballo” Ballington Facebook site.