CHRISTMAS cheer comes early to The Grand Theatre this November thanks to a show featuring a former Manchester City footballer who has carved out a second career as a 'Legend of Swing'.
Jim Whitley plays Nat King Cole in the cast of the 'Christmas Crooners' tomorrow night (November 20).
He and his brother Jeff both played for City in the late 90s. Jim later played for Norwich, Blackpool, Northampton, Swindon and Wrexham before i
njury stalled his football career. Now Jim has kicked off his boots – at least for now – and developed quite a repertoire as a swing singer.
'Christmas Crooners' features many of the Christmas favourites of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and 'Ole Blue Eyes' himself, Frank Sinatra.
Irish born David Tughan, playing Frank Sinatra, is a successful jazz singer with two critically acclaimed albums. He is joined by Jez Unwin who plays Bing.
The cast are backed by the Jazz All-Stars band performing 30 hits including 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire', 'Little Drummer Boy', 'White Christmas' and many swing arrangements of Christmas hymns including 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', '12 Days of Christmas' and 'Silent Night'.
The show is staged in the style of Andy Williams Christmas Shows complete with Christmas trees, a rocking chair and colourful decorations.
Tickets cost £13 (£12 concessions).
The box office number is 01524 64695.
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