Summer Holiday

It’s wonderful to see musical shows being performed at Whitehaven Civic Hall again, the venue having been closed for two years, due to financial losses. Summer Holiday is the first show, performed since its recent reopening. The fully costumed show was played in a cabaret setting, with the audience sitting round tables, enjoying a drink during the performance, a nice idea.

The show itself features a great number of Cliff Richard’s greatest hit, so it was easy for the older members of the audience could sing along, if they so wished.  Special mention must go to the music combo, who played various Shadows hits , during the scene changes.

There were some lovely performances. Main characters, particularly Arun Armstrong, as Don , organiser of the European tour on a London bus and Tracy McOuat as Barbara, a would be singing star. They eventually fall in love and live happily ever after. Dons workmates, also members of the grand tour were Edwin, played by John Killen, Cyril, Ian Quirk and Steve, played by Steve Brownbridge, He has a very pleasant singing voice. There were some pleasant ensemble numbers between them. During the trip they are joined by a would be female pop trio ‘Doh, Rae and Meh’, who also had some pleasant ensembles, but did go slightly off key occasionally. Other parts were played by Pauline Brown as Barbara’s overpowering Mother, and her henpecked husband played by Geoff England. I wont say too much about Pauline drying up!!!!!!!!!!.

All in all a very pleasant evening’s entertainment, lighting was good, as was sound, which only very very occasionally was too loud. Scene changes were fairly slick and special mention must go to the music combo who I thought were terrific.

Thanks to Whitehaven ADOS, for the invitation and , as always, their hospitality was exemplary.

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