Jim Whitley (left) with the cast of Crooners

A former professional footballer will take centre stage when a new comedy musical comes to the Lichfield Garrick.

Jim Whitley (left) with the cast of Crooners
Jim Whitley (left) with the cast of Crooners

Ex-Manchester City and Northern Ireland player Jim Whitley has swapped entertaining terraces for entertaining theatres in Crooners.

After injury cut short his football career, Jim broke into the theatre world with his portrayal of Nat King Cole in the production of Christmas Crooners and Strictly Swing before joining the Rat Pack tour as Sammy Davis Jr – and admits he can’t wait to get started with his latest show.

“We’re playing the music of all the greats completely live with an ace band, while throwing in some British comedy that’s had me rolling around in laughter,” he said.

Crooners features music from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr as well as Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin and Matt Monro.

It has been created by comedy writer and performer Roman Marek and swing band The Mini Big Band.

Roman said: “We love the music of the Rat Pack and the great crooners and wanted to combine that with our love of the British variety comedy show.

“We wanted a show that makes audiences laugh out loud – an all singing, all dancing musical comedy with echoes of Morecombe and Wise.”

Crooners is at the Lichfield Garrick on February 24. Tickets are £25 and can be booked online or by calling the box office on 01543 412121.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.