THE story of the great American bandleader Glenn Miller is brought to life on the Wyvern stage next week.

Bugle Boy, a new musical by Den Stevenson, comes to the theatre on May 8 and 9. The poignant love story follows Glenn throughout his life as he meets his high-school sweetheart and future wife Helen, to his time in the US Army, his famed RAF Band and his sudden disappearance in mysterious circumstances.

After a performance at an airfield just outside Bedford in 1944, he boarded a plane to Paris, but the plane never arrived.

There have been many theories about what happened over the years – including the suggestion that including the suggestion that his plane may have been hit by RAF bombs – but in truth his death remains as much a mystery today as when he went missing at the end of Second World War.

This new musical ensures that the songs of the legendary music icon continue to delight and inspire new audiences more than half a century later.

Playwright Den Stevenson became obsessed with making a musical about the band leader when he was the booker for Glenn’s brother Herb Miller and his UK orchestra.

He was determined to make the show a portrayal of Miller’s life, not just an orchestra on stage playing Glenn Miller tunes.

The story is enhanced, however, by a 14-piece band recreating the Miller soundand all those famous and instantly recognisable songs, such as In The Mood, String Of Pearls, Little Brown Jug, Moonlight Serenade and Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Bugle Boy runs at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, on Tuesday and Wednesday next week (May 8&9). Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the ticket office on 01793 524481.