A SINGER has been lifting the spirits of his neighbours as he shows that all the world really is a stage.

Roger Spencer Royle, a well known face on Bolton’s arts and cultural scene, has been stepping outside his home in Sharples to sing to his neighbours.

And he’s been such a hit with residents, the gigs are becoming a regular feature in Sharples Avenue and will play a part in VE Day celebrations on the street next Friday ­— which will be staged in line with social distancing measures.

The singer, songwriter and playwright is encouraging other artists to do the same.

Roger, whose goes by the Roger Spencer in art circles, said:

"It was a lovely day and people were in their gardens and where I live people can see each other from their front gardens.

“It seemed to go down well.”

Among the songs the 77-year-old performed was Good Old Coronation Street, which he actually released as a record­ in 1990 — and was interviewed about on This Morning when it was filed at The Albert Docks in Liverpool.

“The kind of songs I like to sing are from the 60s and 70s, they are from my era” said Roger, who as been performing regularly until the weather took a turn for the worse this week.

“I do it as much for me to keep it going,” said Roger who still performs on the regular stage, "I encourage other musicians to do the same, its entertainment.

"I tell them to just to step out and perform. When I did it for the first time, there were people out in their gardens because it was a beautiful day and then more people came out, and you have a wave and it all helps."

Now the whole street is planning a VE Day celebration ­— from their front gardens ­— on May 8, with people which Roger will perform at.

Roger's name will also be known to theatre buffs.

For he wrote Wakes! for Bolton Little Theatre in 2002, a musical celebrating the traditional family holidays of days gone by.

He also helps to host a popular open mic session in Astley Bridge.

Roger says he is hoping to get back to the that after lockdown, but in the meantime he will continue to sing to his new fans.