A capacity audience rounded off an unforgettable day at The Flavel on Saturday, after an enthusiastic matinee and a sold-out evening performance of Dartmouth Wartime Sounds.

Created and researched by local historian Jonathan Turner, and produced by the local community, the production brought Dartmouth's wartime story vividly to life through the songs and dances that carried people through the Second World War, illustrated throughout by magnificent historic photographs and archive film from the collections of Dartmouth Museum. Combining live music, dance, narration and authentic local history, the show proved both an emotional tribute and a joyous celebration of the resilience and spirit of the people of Dartmouth during wartime.

Before the evening performance, The Flavel Café team served a wartime-themed supper, with Poacher's Pantry providing a rich and flavoursome meal that set the evening off perfectly.

Musically, the production was an impressive achievement.

Under the musical direction of Mike Cosgrave of Bovey Tracey, who specially arranged all twenty songs for the production, an eight-piece band recreated an astonishing variety of wartime sounds.

From the intimate Parisian Hot Club style with gypsy guitars to the unmistakable swing of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the musicians demonstrated remarkable versatility.

Louise Parker led from the front with a superb vocal performance across a wide-ranging programme, from Billie Holiday to Vera Lynn, with many of the songs enthusiastically joined by the audience.

One of the most poignant moments featured local cornet player Caleb Brown, whose reflective performance of the Last Post and TAPS, commemorated both the civilian and military lives lost in Dartmouth, including those who perished during Exercise Tiger.

It was a simple but deeply moving tribute that held the audience in silence.

The production was full of energy throughout, thanks in no small part to the dancers organised and choreographed by Jenny Thomas of Strictly Come Dancing and Stoke Fleming.

Her Jazzettes dance group also delighted the audience with a series of polished and entertaining routines, helping to bring the show to a rousing conclusion.

The atmosphere extended well beyond the stage. Encouraged by production manager Nella McNabb, Dartmouth residents loaned wartime props to transform The Flavel, while Dean Small brought along the remarkable mandolin carried by a Dartmouth-trained Landing Craft Tank crew to Omaha Beach on D-Day before returning to Devon.

Lewis Brzozka from Brixham Battery, arrived in a US Army Jeep, providing memorable photographic opportunities for visitors and members of the cast alike.

Michael Sells, Operations Director at The Flavel, said: "This show is a wonderful example of what our community can achieve when so many talented people come together. We're delighted with the audience response and with the funds raised, which will help The Flavel continue to produce ambitious live entertainment for Dartmouth."

Dartmouth Wartime Sounds demonstrated not only the depth of local musical and theatrical talent but also the strength of community spirit. It entertained, informed and commemorated those whose lives were shaped by war, earning a standing ovation from a capacity audience at its conclusion.