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FOOTBALLING legend Paul Gascoigne is set to make his theatrical debut in Bournemouth after undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction at the local Providence Projects.
FOOTBALLING legend Paul Gascoigne 
is set to make his theatrical debut in Bournemouth after undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction at the local Providence Projects.Gazza, now said to be thinking of settling in the area permanently, will be joined on stage by Spurs and England great Jimmy Greaves at the Pavilion on Saturday June 18.
His appearance is said to be part of his rehabilitation, giving him something to focus on, and was suggested by experts at the Providence Project.
The evening will include an interview with promoter Terry Baker and the chance to ask questions of the two stars.
Gazza, who now lives in a rented flat in Boscombe, said: “It will definitely be entertaining. I’ll give them some good stories about some of the mad things I’ve done. “I’ll be talking about what people have seen during my career, some of the goals I’ve scored and about the daft things I’ve done.”
And he said his main aim is to enjoy life and to thank local people for supporting him through his battle with addiction.
He added: “I’ve got a smile back on my face. I’ve had so much support down here. In the shops everyone is great so I want to give something to the community.
“I’m in Bournemouth for the next six months at least – I’m enjoying living by the sea.”
Mr Baker, who runs Christchurch-based A1 Sporting Speakers with his wife Freda, said: “Out of the blue, the phone rang. It was the Providence Projects people saying Gazza wanted to do some shows. He’s been clean for nearly five months. He’s been to see us and is very keen. He’s looking better. “I had a long chat with him. He’s got some great stories, he will be very funny.
“He’s a really nice guy and I hope this helps him. All the footballers I have spoken to, such as Steven Gerrard and Pat Jennings, are wishing him well.”
Steve Spiegel, founder of the Providence Project, said: “We helped negotiate it and are looking after him – we’re very proud of him.”
After the Bournemouth date, the Gazza and Greavsie show will be hitting the road, taking in Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Newcastle and Stevenage.
Mr Baker, who also put on a tour with the late George Best, admitted that one or two theatres had refused to take the show for fear Gazza would not turn up.
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