Lovers of big band music are in for a treat next week when some of the best-known hits are performed live. The two great bandleaders, Andy Prior and John Miller, are big band crazy. To prove it they are coming together to make one massive orchestra and they make a great double act.

The show, Big Band Crazy, will be at the Woodville Halls Theatre, Gravesend, on January 26.

The extravaganza will feature Prior and his 15-piece orchestra plus, from the United States, John Miller with the Herb Miller band.

The pair only started doing these gigs this year but already they have confirmed another 40 bookings around the country.

John Miller's father, the brother of the legendary Glenn Miller, started the Herb Miller Big Band in England in 1980. When he died seven years later his son decided to keep it going mainly to keep the musicians who had worked so hard on it together.

But he said he's not necessarily a great musician himself: "I am a musician but I hire the best in the country.

"It doesn't make any sense for me to play trombone when I can get John Lusher, Gordon Campbell or people of that ilk."

Instead, the 60-year-old, who now lives in Chatham, sings and entertains the audience. He recalls how the old hypnosis gag worked a treat at one recent show. Miller dressed Prior up in a disguise then "hypnotised" him during his song so he kept singing as Jerry Lewis. And it was all completely unrehearsed.

Andy Prior is recognised as one of the best swing singers in the country today, headlining venues all over the world both with his own orchestra and with The Nightowls.

Miller said: "I love hearing Andy sing. Quite often I'll sneak out the front when I'm not on stage and just listen because he's a lesson on his own to singers. If you want a cheap singing lesson come and see the show."

Big Band Crazy promises to be an evening of pure mayhem.

Miller said: "I've got a band that's totally loony, they keep me on my toes because I never know what they are going to do. Andy's band, in addition to being a superlative band, is also full of nutcases!"

The gig will celebrate some of the greatest big bands ever, featuring the hits of Harry James, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Ted Heath, Duke Ellington and, of course, Glenn Miller as well as classics from the great arrangers: Billy May, Nelson Riddle, Don Costa and the songs of Frank Sinatra.

Jan 26, Big Band Crazy, Woodville Halls Theatre, Gravesend, 7.30pm, £15.50/£14.50, 01474 337774.