A senior citizens theatre show to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day is coming to a Wiltshire theatre two years late.

Originally scheduled to celebrate the May 2020 anniversary, Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre is to present a tribute to the stars who kept people smiling through the dark days of World War II.

A spokesman said: “The Spirit of the Blitz is a special performance for senior citizens, it recaptures the defiant optimism of war-torn Britain, and having been postponed due to the pandemic, it will now play on Sunday, April 10.”

The show’s producer, Andy Eastwood, added: “It really would not be in the spirit of this show to give up. So we’ll now be celebrating the 77th anniversary.

"It may not have the same ring to it as the 75th, but the songs will still sound every bit as good, and the atmosphere will be terrific as soon as the audience join in with old favourites like Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, Bless 'Em All, Leaning On A Lamp-Post, and of course, We'll Meet Again.”

Mr Eastwood will also appear in the show, portraying one of the hardest-working entertainers of the era, George Formby.

He added: “The wonderful thing about Spirit Of The Blitz is that it means many things to different people, and it’s first and foremost a heart-warming, uplifting singalong.

“They were such awful times that the entertainment had to be bright and breezy and cheerful. But beneath the humour is a subtext of suffering, loss and tragedy.

"Everyone in the audience will be remembering loved ones who went through it, so it’s very thought-provoking too.”

Also performing are singer Maggie O’Hara, who pays tribute to Dame Vera Lynn and Anne Shelton, and multi-talented Pete Lindup, who recreates the comedy of forties favourites Max Miller and Robb Wilton.

Pete said: “There will be veterans at the show and it’s an honour to entertain them, but it’s also great for younger people to see the lovely warm way that performers charmed an audience back then. Glorious melodies and good old-fashioned comedy – what more could you ask for?”

For tickets call the box office: 0343 310 0040 or book online at swindontheatres.co.uk