AFTER delighting audiences with his performance in stage musical Chicago in 2002, John Altman is back at The Mayflower this week in another big musical role.

John, who is best known for playing Nasty Nick in EastEnders, is starring in American Patrol, which is set to get Southampton swinging to the sound of Glenn Miller.

John plays the celebrated band leader Glenn Miller in this musical dramatisation of the final six months of his life.

The show recreates the sounds from the Glenn Miller Band's BBC and AEF radio shows of 1944.

This was a critical period in Miller's career, as it was when he perfected his distinct sound, which is still popular today, some 60 years later.

To make sure that the sound is just right at The Mayflower, John will be joined by a 32-piece orchestra, including a string section, which will be belting out such Miller Band classics as Stardust, In The Mood, Tuxedo Junction and Moonlight Serenade.

John Altman isn't the only familiar face in American Patrol. As well as the band, he will also be joined by former Saturday Superstar host Mike Read, who recently stepped back into the spotlight, thanks to reality show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!.

Also among the cast are Michael Knowles from It Ain't Half Hot Mum and Joe Stilgoe, the son of musician Richard Stilgoe.

The Mayflower, Southampton, Tuesday to May 22. Tickets: from £17.50. Box office: 023 8071 1811.