NOSTALGIA is taking over at the Marine Theatre with two events that commemorate wartime Lyme.

On Saturday August 19, from 7pm, the theatre will be celebrating Dame Vera Lynn's 100th year with a 1940s indoor street party called A Nightingale Sang in Marine Square.

This dinner-dance brings Vera Lynn tribute singer Samantha and her troop of dancers to the ‘little theatre by the sea’ for what promises to be a feast for the senses, as well as a fillip to the Marine’s fundraising efforts.

Trustee Karol Kulik said: “With the theatre being only slightly older than the indefatigable Vera Lynn, we felt this was an opportunity not to be missed to fete her and our own history with a fun-filled evening that will raise money to bolster two grants we’ve secured to up-grade our facilities.

"In planning this event, I’ve bumped into so many locals who, like myself, had the great pleasure of meeting Vera Lynn, so I’m hoping this grand night out will give us all a chance to share our cherished memories, as well as create some new ones!”

Colmers Hill Fashion in Symondsbury is offering 10 per cent discounts on their 40s-styled dresses for those who wish to dress for the era.

The theatre returns to the 40s yet again on November 11 when Swing Unlimited Big Band bring wartime classics by Glen Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington back to life with We’ll Meet Again, a special concert for Remembrance. Songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and of course, Vera Lynn, complete the line-up to recreate the period, along with images and words, in an uplifting, fun and moving evening.

November’s Remembrance event is organised with the help of Lyme Regis Jazz & Blues Festival.

Julie Sheppard, its director said: “We wanted to stage an event for Remembrance weekend and those big band sounds evoke the wartime era like no other – and everyone loves big bands. The Marine Theatre was used as an American forces canteen during the Second World War, so it’s especially poignant staging the concert in its auditorium. We hope it will be a fitting tribute to all those who will be remembered in the town at events organised by the Royal British Legion over the weekend”.

*Tickets for A Nightingale Sang in Marine Square on Saturday August 19 are £30 and need to be booked in advance since they include a complimentary drink and light supper, as well as Vera Lynn classics from Samantha followed by demos and lessons from her dancers. Call the box office for tickets.

We’ll Meet Again is on Saturday November 11. Tickets are on sale from the beginning of September.