Summer Holiday

Being my first time of seeing this musical, I felt very happy remembering all the well-known songs from the film of the same name.

The action opened with a rainy morning meet-up in a dingy London café where we met Edwin (Adam Yasin), along with Cyril and Steve (Aeden Mason and Joe Burley respectively).  The lads were joined for the memorable chorus number “In The Country” by Don (Nathan Wong) who uses all his energetic encouragement to make plans for their epic adventure.

The different characters of the tight knit friends were totally believable throughout, I really enjoyed watching their relationships develop and the dynamic change when they rescued the girls in France.

Barbara (Deanna Mullen), Mimsie (Lucy Forrester), Alma (Phoebe Mason) and Angie (Jesmine Talavera) had broken down whilst traveling to a gig.  As the car could not be fixed, the boys suggest the perfect solution of giving the girls a lift.  The car was a great idea made of panels that then turned into suitcases and luggage.  On the night I attended the car panels were a bit unruly but the cast handled it well.

As they start on their Summer Holiday, the bus becomes their home from home - I must add that it really looked spectacular.  There was also the novel idea of what appeared to be 2 radio-controlled model versions of the bus that showed the journey along the front of the stage, tracking the bus’s progress in miniature so to speak.  There were a couple of moments when the audience thought the model bus might end up in the orchestra pit - it didn’t however - very clever.

On their journey through Paris, Switzerland, Italy and finishing in Athens, the principals gave some memorable performances: “Bachelor Boy”, “Living Doll” and “The Young Ones” being just three.  The main characters were well supported by many others, too numerous to mention individually by name, all of whom were playing the essential cameo roles - not to mention dealing with the colossal amount of fabulous costume changes.  I’d like to give a special mention to Stella (Amreeyah Mannan) and Jerry (Oliver Quigley) as they both gave very characterful performances.

Every ensemble member had their part to play, the choreography was well rehearsed and energetic and the singing harmonious.  Highlights for me: “Round and Round”, “Dancing Shoes”, “Do You Wanna Dance” and “On The Beach”.

This well cast production showcased everyone to their strengths.  This includes the Musical Director, Joe Baldwin, who did a sterling job, along with Director, Deb Lowe, and choreographer, Amy Evans.  I think Youth Onstage have found a winning production team; you should be so proud.

Special mention must go to the team who designed and built the bus and scenery and not forgetting the wardrobe and costume design team with such wonderful, colourful, national costumes, it was so easy for the audience to recognise which country we were in.

Congratulations to all involved in another high standard production.  Youth Onstage continue to delight and entertain the audience whilst enjoying a fantastic hobby, making friendships that will last a lifetime.

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