One of Swindon's hidden gems is trombonist Ian Bateman, who has played with such jazz greats as Acker Bilk, Frankie Vaughan, Humphrey Lyttelton and Kenny Ball.

Still living in his home town, Ian will be joining the Paul Maguire Little Big Band for a special date on Saturday, May 16 as part of the annual Kentwood Choir Showcase at the Wyvern Theatre.

Musical director and choir founder Sheila Harrod said: “I was at the jazz club when Ian told me he would be joining Paul’s seven-piece band for our show. I was so excited.’’

Along with his own band Kick Ass Brass and The Bateman Brothers, Ian performs with the Basie Orchestra, paying tribute to the music of Count Basie. The trombonist notches up his ruby anniversary in the jazz world next year, while the Kentwood Show Choir notched up its golden anniversary in 2014.

The choir has recently been honoured by the Swindon Rotary Club, as they have named a circle of five trees, which will be planted at the new Moulden Hill Country Park, the Kentwood Oaks.

Sheila said: “It was to mark our anniversary and because we have helped the Rotary Club by raising more than £53,000 for charity. What a legacy!’’

Never one to shy away from a challenge Sheila says she is taking a gamble with the first song of her showcase, by choosing to make her singers into musical instruments.

“It is an ambitious choir piece to open the show, with the choir only using their voices for sound in an overture,’’ said Sheila.

“It will be a bit of a ‘name that tune’ experience.’’

The whole show is a bit of a pot pourri, with the singers tackling such Motown classics as Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, with a close harmony group, Gary Barlow’s Let Me Go, songs from the West End and Broadway shows, jazz favourites such as Tuxedo Junction and Sheila and Paul performing together as a duo in Twelfth Street Rag.

Sheila will be accompanying some of the soloists on piano and Kathy Hobson, who will be marking her 50th year with the choir, will tackle Nessun Dorma. In complete contrast John Wilson will be singing his first solo, a witty ditty called Murphy’s Pig, which is from the operetta Summer Song.

The Kentwood shows are not known for performances by drag artists but this year Robert Harman is stepping up to the mark with his version of If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It, from The Producers.

There are 38 adult singers in the production and 20 junior members, ranging in age from nine to 66 years.

— FLICKY HARRISON