With the festive season almost upon us, the UK's renowned Glen Miller Orchestra will be In the Mood for Christmas at Epsom Playhouse.

Led by Ray McVay, the orchestra’s show will feature the harmonies of the Moonlight Serenaders, the vocals of Catherine Sykes and Colin Anthony as well as Ray Wordsworth with swinging jazz band, the Uptown Hall Gang.

And with Christmas approaching, the orchestra will be dusting off Yuletide music and playing Miller's original arrangements of Christmas favourites including I'll Be Home For Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and White Christmas.

Back in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Miller packed America’s dance halls. His band enjoyed a string of hits like Tuxedo Junction, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo and the iconic In the Mood.

The current UK band was put together in 1988 by veteran musical entertainer McVay in conjunction with Glenn Miller Productions in New York.

McVay, previously best known as musical director for the original Come Dancing series on the BBC, approached the offices of the Miller estate 25 years ago to operate a Glenn Miller Orchestra in UK.

2014 marks the 70th anniversary of Miller’s stay in the UK. He came here in July 1944 to support the troops involved in the invasion of Europe and cemented his reputation in the world of musical entertainment.

On December 15, 1944, Miller boarded an aircraft to travel to Paris, where he was to make arrangements for a Christmas broadcast. Tragically, the plane never reached France and was never found.

In the Mood for Christmas; Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom; Monday, December 1, 7.30pm; from £18; call 01372 742555; visit epsomplayhouse.co.uk