As customary as Christmas, founder and seasoned big band musician Ray McVay is bringing the Glenn Miller Orchestra to Hornchurch this festive season, with two concerts at the Queen’s Theatre.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Ray McVay with girl group IrresistableRay McVay with girl group Irresistable (Image: Archant)

Seasonal renditions sung by vocalists Colin Anthony and Catherine Sykes, including Joy to the World, Jingle Bells and Winter Wonderland will bring Christmas home early at the theatre in Billet Lane, on Sunday, December 22 at 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

Glenn Miller, an American big band musician, was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943.

But in 1944, while travelling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Glenn’s aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel.

Glenn’s legacy has been taken on by the Orchestra, preserving the authenticity of his unique sound and style.

Ray became the leader of the Orchestra, in 1988, in conjunction with Glenn Miller Productions of New York and has been in the role ever since.

Ray said: “We want to remind people of all the music that Glenn did and everybody should come along for a great night.

“When you work in the business, musicians should be interested in that swing era but unfortunately the radio doesn’t play this kind of music anymore.”

Also supporting the cast is all female vocal group, Irresistible, who narrowly missed out on a place in the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2008, who will sing a tribute to The Andrews Sisters, who were an American group consisting of three sisters, who sold more than 75 million records, from the 1920s and 1950s.

Ray added: “I met Irresistible once and wanted to see if I could help them.

“The Andrew sisters are very famous, so we’ll be going back in time, down memory lane for the audience.”

Tickets cost £19 and £17 for concessions from 01708 443333 or book online at www.queens-theatre.co.uk.