What a show!

Those three words sum up the Glenn Miller Story starring Tommy Steele.

Yes, we know a nearly 80-year-old is taking on the role of a man who died just after his 40th birthday, but nobody says that Glenn Miller was a dance man and you have to admit that pictures from 70 years ago make everyone look older than they really were.

Anyway the six young dancers provide all the movement necessary, so much so that often you think there were actually more of them. They brilliantly recreate the dances of the era, when the famous Lindy Hop and Jitterbug crashed onto the scene.

From the moment Tommy stepped onto the stage the theatre erupted in applause, which made it a bit difficult for him to get the show on the road. A welcoming smile flashing those famous teeth and then down to business.

The backdrop is an RAF hangar just before he boards a plane to Paris on that fateful December day in 1944. A quick change of coat, a hat and a pair of glasses and we are taken back in time to the start of Glenn's career when the 'sound' was just taking shape.

It was the era of the big band and jazz but Glenn wanted more. He joined and wrote for several bands before forming his own orchestra and finally hitting the big time with hits such as In the Mood, Pennyslvania 6-5000, Little Brown Jug and, a particular favourite of mine, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, just to name a few.

Miller's wife Helen is brilliantly portrayed by Abigail Jaye and she has such a lovely voice. She is given the chance to shine in a brilliant solo of Moonlight Serenade.

Without spoiling the plot for those going along to see the show, the moment the 16-piece orchestra appears is one of those breath-taking moments that you just can't forget.

The second half takes you through the announcement of war and Glenn signing up and boosting morale with his unorthodox parade music. Then its a final call to the states before the fog comes down and he walks out to meet his fate.

But - you are not left down for long as the finale fires up the music with Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, I've Got a Gal from Kalamazoo and Tuxedo Junction.

The house erupts with cheers and calls for an encore which Tommy gladly obliges with (after calling the rest of the cast back out of the dressing rooms!) and we are given a brilliant rendition of Sing Sing Sing. Even then Tommy is not allowed to leave the stage and gives a bit of his famous repartee.

Tommy brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to the show. There is barely a moment when he is not on stage. He is a showman, singer, and all round entertainer and The Glenn Miller Story lets him shine. A superstar playing a star!

If I had to give a score for this show, then it would be 10/10.

The Glenn Miller Story will be at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford until Saturday, October 22 inclusive. Visit orchardtheatre.co.uk to book.