A whirlwind of stars have gathered together to celebrate the life and successful career of a widely recognised songwriter.

The star-studded cast have been plucked from well known West End productions to pay tribute to one of the biggest names in song-writing history at Ilford’s Kenneth More Theatre.

Irving Berlin, a song writer in the 30s and 40s, “was all the rage” according to the 88-year-old producer of West End to Broadway, Barrie Stacey.

Berlin (1888-1989) was an American composer and lyricist born in Israel.

He wrote songs for the likes of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and many other stars.

The cast includes Alexandra Waite-Roberts, 23, who recently starred in Top Hat at Aldwych Theatre in the West End.

Mr Stacey, who has been in the industry since he was 9 and worked with the Kenneth More theatre for decades, said: “We’ll be portraying the magic of Irving through this fantastic well known cast.”

The audience will have the chance to sing along to all of Berlin’s well known melodies throughout the show which comes to theatre on October 3.

The production will feature more than 40 of Berlin’s hits including A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody from the film The Great Ziegfeld and Putting on the Ritz, from Idiots Delight.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to meet the cast that includes actors from hit West End musicals Annie and The King and I for autographs and photographs after the show.

Mr Stacey added: “There will be a kiss for the ladies in the theatre foyer after the show.”

Irving Berlin’s autobiography and two novels, including Love in the Afternoon will also be on sale at the event.

Tickets cost £13.50. Call the box office on 0208 5534 466.