IT was a rainy night in Clacton. Clare Teal had just come off stage and a lady called Annie asked if she would sign a CD. Turns out it was by Doris Day.

It transpired that Annie and Doris are great friends, so she reciprocated by sending one of Clare's CD to America. Two weeks later a signed Doris Day album dropped through the Teal household letter box.

"She was 89 then and I thought for her 90th birthday celebrations let's do a big Friday Night is Music Night on Radio 2," says Clare. "Well it just went bonkers."

So bonkers she decided this was a show that really needed to be taken on the road.

Now with her trio, Clare has created a tour that celebrates all of Doris’ professional life and last Saturday she brought it to York Theatre Royal.

Starting from the early days with Les Brown and his Band of Renown, the show moves on to embrace Doris's massive hit songs from the time when she was the Queen of Hollywood, together with later material when she was more influenced by the world of pop.

Perennial favourites such as Move Over Darling, Deadwood Stage and of course Que Sera Sera feature.

"It's great fun; just like having a massive karaoke session, because everyone knows the words," says Clare. "We do go a bit left field with a few unknown songs, though. It gives them a break from singing."

However, this is not X-Factor so there are no sing-a-likeys. Clare’s interpretations of the songs demonstrate not only her own distinct vocal style, but also prove what respect she has for their original singer.

And her deep rooted love of big bands.

"We had these old 78s in the attic and living in a tiny village, I'm sort of grateful that there wasn't much to do as a kid," says Clare. "Otherwise I wouldn't have been this intensely geeky kid in the attic listening, honing and imitating all these singers, like Doris.

"It's funny how things come around. 43 years later I now have a radio show where I talk about this music that I love."

And a tour where she gets to belt out those childhood favourites once again with the help of her karaoke audience.

"I don't generally do themed shows, but this one has been a great success," says Clare. "I've been surprised just how much love there is for her in this country."

Doris Day isn't the only hero Clare has been involved with of late. Last year she was one of the singers personally selected by Van Morrison for his Duets: Re-working the catalogue album.

"It was a live session, I had a couple of times with the band, then he just appeared, said hello and the red light went on," says Clare. "We did the song once and that was it. I was allowed to creep back in and repair two tiny harmonies, though."

Another chance of a lifetime came this spring; to record an album with the Hallé Orchestra.

"Having 93 musicians recorded organically like they would have been in, say, Capitol Studios and make it as much a live performance as possible was incredible," says Clare. "I'll never forget how it was to sing with these guys."

Never one to rest on her laurels – or be troubled by the jazz singer label – Clare's next project is a direct cut to vinyl with a live band.

"I'm absolutely bricking it," she says. "You have to record the whole side at once, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it."

For now, though, the focus is on Doris Day, or at least the essence of what she was all about.

"It's powerful stuff is music. Yes there are moments when you can sing a beautiful, heartbreaking ballad, but overwhelmingly the thing I love about swing and the whole big band era is unrelenting waves of joy."