FROM a von Trapp-style choir to their latest venture, Generation Gap, music has always been a family affair for Clarry Bean and his daughter Abby Mansi.

But nothing could have foretold the story of their success – especially Abby’s early years.

“I started off singing in rock bands in Swindon in the late 1970s and my wife Christine and I trained under Sheila Harrod at Kentwood Choir,” said Clarry.

“Music has always been a passion. What we didn’t want to do was be parents who push their children and say ‘you need to sing’. “The children just heard us rehearse at home and my son Danny started singing counter-melodies in the bath when he was about three. He was gifted. But Abby was tone-deaf. We would be singing in the car she couldn’t get the notes and words out.”

With time and to her parents’ astonishment, she eventually found her voice.

“She got into her teens and she found the most amazing voice,” said 58-year-old Clarry.

The Kentwood members eventually performed charity shows at the Arts Centre with their two children in 2003 and 2007 to raise funds for Prospect Hospice.

“We called ourselves Family Affair. This was the first time we had sung properly together as a quartet. We even recorded a CD for Prospect. We kind of felt like the von Trapps when we rehearsed around the house.”

After studying musical theatre and drama at Carlisle University and performing around the world, Abby, 25, married and returned to Swindon where she is now musical director for choir BigSingThing and singing ensemble The Songbirds. She is also musical theatre tutor at Tanwood School.

Her homecoming coincided with her father’s decision to retire from his role as Swindon Arts Centre manager. This is when the idea of forming Generation Gap emerged.

After a successful debut earlier this year, the duo will return to the Arts Centre for an eclectic showcase of seasonal favourites, and chart-topping hits.

“We did our first big show in February and it sold out so we thought it would be nice to do a Christmas show together.

“It’s going to be traditional Christmas songs but we will mix it up a bit. And people will be given the opportunity to sing along.

“We will also have guests: the Songbirds, the Tanwood choir and dancers. We are really looking forward to it.”

Generation Gap’s Christmas Show will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 (concessions £10). To book visit swindontheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01793 524481.