Vera Lynn tribute comes to Sheffield City Hall

Lorrie Brown, who has performed as the Forces’ Sweetheart at several Advertiser events, has toured A Salute To The 1940s around the country for seven years.

But the April 12 show at the city hall’s ballroom marks the first time the wartime music celebration has been at one of Sheffield’s main venues.

Lorrie, who met her hero Dame Vera last year, said: “We can’t wait. We’ve been performing the show in several venues around the region including the Peace Gardens, at hotels and even in garden centres.

“To finally be playing the city hall is really exciting.”

Co-producer Gary Birtles said: “We are so excited to be playing the city hall. We’ve been trying to get into one of the main Sheffield venues for years and finally we have a date.”

The show, by Groovy Gazza Productions, also sees Lorrie portray Great War-era music star Marie Lloyd.

Lorrie said: “The two characters couldn’t be more different. I really enjoy playing both roles because the songs of Vera Lynn are beautiful and melodic and, in contrast, Marie Lloyd’s are down to earth and full of character.”

Also in the show are tributes to George Formby, Gracie Fields, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra.

There is also a special duet from the George and Frank tributes, performing Whispering Grass from It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.

Gary said: “It is such a funny sketch. We have a great cast who have been working together for four years now and we have all developed a real chemistry on stage.”

The matinee show takes place at 2pm, with tickets at £16.50 available from the city hall box office on 01142 789789.