WHETHER it’s classical music, easy listening or pop, there can’t be many composers who have written so many memorable and wonderful tunes as Ivor Novello.

From the very start of his career with Keep the Home Fires Burning, he caught the mood of the nation and continued to do so until his untimely death in the early 1950s.

Tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.45pm, the Scarborough Spa Orchestra presents a show devoted entirely to the great songs of this master of melody.

In previous years, this programme has drawn very large audiences, and this year is expected to be no exception.

People come back time after time to be transported by the music of Novello’s shows such as Perchance to Dream, The Dancing Years and King’s Rhapsody.

Joining the Spa Orchestra will be a very special guest. Marilyn Hill Smith is a national treasure where the music of Novello is concerned.

A few years ago when London’s Strand Theatre was renamed the Novello Theatre, it was Marilyn who was chosen to seal the dedication by singing Ivor Novello songs on the stage of the newly-named theatre where the composer actually lived in a flat from 1913 to his death.

On stage with Marilyn will be Spa favourites Alison Hudson and Owen Webb.

Alison is busy with recital and oratorio work throughout the UK, and has recently returned from giving master classes and concerts in France for Simon Kenworthy, a past musical director of the Spa Orchestra.

Owen is a permanent member of the prestigious Welsh National Opera Company, but, like so many vocalists, he never misses an opportunity to return to Scarborough to sing with the Spa Orchestra.

Tickets for A Glamorous Night With Ivor Novello are £11, with children going free with a paying adult.

Tickets are available from The Spa’s box office on 01723 821888 and at scarboroughspa.co.uk