AS a freezing wind cut through Bournemouth a Salvation Army band warmly welcomed the crowds in the BIC foyer to a wonderful Christmas show.

That’ll Be The Day – Britain’s touring rock ‘n’ roll comedy phenomenon – produces an annual special festive mix of pop hits, saucy comedy and a mini-panto to supplement their normal production.

This pacy show features its multi-talented, five-piece, live band and five fantastic vocalists, complemented by delightful young dancers from the local Carrington Hollywood School of Dance.

Opening with Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas, Run Run Rudolph and Jingle Bell Rock, the show is a slick, quick mix of happy and holy, from Frosty The Snowman through Cliff’s Mistletoe And Wine to Boney M’s Mary’s Boy Child.

The comedy ranges from innuendo and double entendres, through knowing asides regarding Boscombe and Verwood, to Gary Anderson’s remarkable version of Perfect Day, containing several perfect impressions.

That’ll Be The Day supports the Help For Heroes military charity though bucket collections from fans. The total has now reached an astonishing £100,000. In a moving tribute to British Forces, Trevor Payne sang Distant Drums – his bass voice almost cracking with emotion – as overhead projections show footage of soldiers and their families.

The feel-good finale features Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, Walking In A Winter Wonderland and as stage snow gently falls, White Christmas.