The Ronnies celebrate ten years of close harmony with a gala at Telford's Little Theatre

A Telford singing group that began in an amateur theatre production is celebrating ten years of close harmonies. The Ronnies will mark the milestone with a one-night-only anniversary gala, From Blitz to Glitz, at Telford's Little Theatre in Donnington on Saturday 7 November.

The story began when Sabina Smith, Jenny Olenik and Fran Taylor appeared together in the Telford and District Light Operatic Players' production of Little Shop of Horrors. Playing the musical's trio of street singers, the Ronnettes, they discovered a shared love of close harmony singing. Stephen Oliver-Davies, who played Seymour, later joined them, and The Ronnies were born.

Over the following decade the Telford-based group built up a wide repertoire, with a special affection for the music of the 1940s and the close harmonies made famous by performers such as The Andrews Sisters.

That passion has taken them to venues and events across the country, including the Ironbridge WWII Festival, RAF Cosford, Blists Hill Victorian Town, the Severn Valley Railway and Bletchley Park. They have performed for D-Day veterans, including Bernard Morgan, now aged 102, and entertained Christmas visitors at Highclere Castle. Closer to home they have sung at Armed Forces Day events and the Newport Show.

Falling on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, the first half of the gala will pay tribute to the Entertainments National Service Association, or ENSA, set up in 1939 to bring music and comedy to troops and war workers. Its performers included Dame Vera Lynn. The Ronnies have supported the ENSA Memorial Service Association, including fundraising towards a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, and a raffle on the night will raise more for its work.

The second half will celebrate the group's own ten-year journey with close harmonies, singalong favourites and a few surprises.

Audience members are being encouraged to join in the spirit of the evening by dressing in vintage-inspired outfits from any era.

From Blitz to Glitz is at Telford's Little Theatre in Donnington on Saturday 7 November. Check with the theatre for tickets and availability.