Musical legend Tommy Steele makes an admirable attempt to turn the clock back in The Glenn Miller Story's title role and earned prolonged applause from a packed Congress Theatre audience.

It was because of his pulling power that Steele, Britain's first rock n' roll star in the 1950s, was chosen by producer Bill Kenwright.

At 79, he still exudes great charisma – and has a strong singing voice.

But the problem is he's almost twice as old as the bandleader was when he vanished flying over the English Channel in 1944.

Playing opposite a wife 50 years his junior makes it hard for Tommy - and co-star Sarah Soetaert – to portray a couple deeply in love.

But their star quality is undeniable.

Sarah does full justice to show-stopper Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart, while Tommy enchants us with The Nearness Of You.

A slow first half ends on an electrifying note when the struggling musician puts together a 16-piece orchestra that plays Moonlight Serenade in the unique Miller style.

A string of hits follow, and there's great dance sequences plus an uplifting sing-along finale.

But the show fails to capture the dramatic impact of Miller's tragic death.

Three stars