A packed Winter Gardens audience was whisked back to the 1940s as We’ll Meet Again treated us to the songs that lifted spirits during the war years.

Amazingly, it was a 19-year-old performer, new recruit Lucia Matisse, who provided most of the nostalgia with her delightful tributes to Gracie Fields, Vera Lynn and Dorothy Squires.

Lucia’s golden voice made her the star of an enjoyable variety show, which included far more experienced singers in Tony Leyton, Mervyn Francis and Andy Eastwood. Dressed in military uniforms, they whipped up a great atmosphere as they roped the audience into a wartime sing-along.

Unfortunately, most of comedian Steve Barclay’s material also seemed to be more than 60 years old!

There was some excuse when he was impersonating Max Miller, but surely this likeable latter-day cheeky chappie could come up with some new gags.

A touch of comedy was also provided by Eastwood, whose main contributions were his superb instrumental renditions on the ukulele, banjo and violin.

Director-producer Duggie Chapman deserves credit for achieving such an authentic show, but it is much the same as last year, and needs a different format – and some new jokes – before it returns to Eastbourne again.