It has been 50 years since American folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel recorded their first number one hit single.

But do fans of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel know the real story behind the successful pair who lit up stages around the world?

The lives and career of the music sensation is now gracing stages around the country and the Simon and Garfunkel Story is currently the most successful touring theatre show.

The show, which comes to Richmond next week, was the brainchild of producer and actor Dean Elliot, who currently stars as Paul Simon in the five-cast show.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

He says: "The idea came to existence when I was doing Buddy the Musical for many years and I was talking to a few people about a new project.

"We wanted to do something simple and we wanted to do something we enjoyed that people would be interested in.

"I was looking through my CD collection one day and saw Simon and Garfunkel and thought that would be interesting.

"Someone said to me what is their story and I thought what is it? I thought that was a start so we had a huge back catalogue and a story so we put together a show about their lives."

The show will take the audience back to the 1960s and tell the story of the duo’s humble beginning, right through to their massive success, dramatic break-up and finishes with a recreation of their 1981 Central Park concert.

Elliot says by the time they reach Richmond next week, the cast will have performed to nearly 100 audiences up and down the country.

Elliot says: "Richmond Theatre is beautifully stunning and I’ve wanted to take it there for the whole year we have been going.

"I think it is one of the most prestigious theatres in the country and to play in a building like that will be amazing."

Elliott is one of the original producers of the new show and previously starred as Buddy Holly in the hit West End show.

He says: "Buddy opened a lot of doors for me. The beauty of this is I have had a say in the creative side along with the performance of it."

The show will provide fans of the folk rock duo with plenty of nostalgia and Elliott hopes Richmond will be the next venue on the tour to provide the cast with a standing ovation.

Elliott says: "The reviews came out within the first few weeks of the show starting and we got glowing reports. We have had some really wonderful reviews and that has been the domino effect for it all."

With a huge projection screen, original photos and film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including Bridge Over Trouble Water and Homeward Bound, the show promises to be a must-see for true fans of the folk rockers.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story; Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond; September 25, 7.30pm; £20.40 to £37.40; call 0844 8717651 or visit atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre.