Mark Marlowe will be transporting audiences back to the golden age of popular music at the Colour House Theatre next week with his new production of three shows, Mark Marlowe Presents....

Forming the finale to this year's AbbeyFest theatre programme, the shows are billed as a must-see festival highlight for lovers of popular song and elegant indulgence.

"They will be enjoyed by anyone who likes jazz and popular music," says Marlowe.

"The 40s and 50s, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin etc.

"It's very glitz and glamour - if you can have such a thing in Colliers Wood!"

Spread over three evenings, each night takes a different theme.

The first, All This and Heaven Too, is a celebration of the life and songs of Jimmy Van Heusen, composer of a string of hits including Come Fly With Me, All the Way and The Tender Trap.

"The audience will be amazed at how many songs they recognise," says Marlowe.

"Jimmy Van Heusen had an amazing life, from the Rat Pack, to World War II, to the Oscars.

"The songs are played by me and a small band, with me giving a tour of his life and music."

On the second night, Marlowe takes a humorous look at the piano and its various players throughout history, in Four Characters in Search of a Piano.

"It's a series of sketches based around the piano," he says.

"There's a lounge player, a classical player etc, all talking about how they feel about the piano."

And for the final night, Noel Coward at the Desert Inn, Marlowe recreates Coward's acclaimed one man show at the famous Las Vegas nightclub in 1955.

"There's a small band and a cabaret setting with round tables.

"It's very drinks and cigarettes and very glamorous." Mark Marlowe Presents..., Colour House Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, August 25-27, 7.30pm, £7 (three show ticket £15). Call 020 8542 5511 or visit colourhousetheatre.co.uk.