Summer Holiday

Vary rarely in any production does a prop, or piece of scenery attract huge applause every time it appears. In a technically innovative set at varying points through the show the iconic Red Double-decker London Bus was brilliantly featured chugging up and down the background scenery hills. None of this however detracted in any way the overall impact of this show which in its original film version released in 1963 was an instant hit becoming the second most popular movie at the box office that year.

Don – James Gough, Cyril – Sam Smith, Steve –Alan Hastings, and Edwin –Michael Hastings never stopped working along with the Do-Re-Me trio Mimsie - Natalie Cropps ,Alma –Natalie Emeny and Angie –Rosalyn Chalk kept the show moving and delivered strong song and dance performances as did the runaway Barbara – Helen Hastings. All were well supported by a most likeable cast singing and dancing their way through catchy memorable music in a plot which hardly matters, involving a group of young lads meeting the girls on their holiday route. In a show stealing performance Stella – Elizabeth Bird first appearing from the auditorium along with Jerry – Jonathan Busk just added the little bit of extra special characterisation as the overbearing mother of runaway Barabara.

A well-structured stage set was enhanced by innovative special effect lighting and costumes of vibrancy and colour that reflected the mood and tone of score and script including scenes in the rain and in a shower. An at times slightly overcrowded stage did not though diminish the energy and enthusiasm from inspired choreography. When you combine musical numbers from Cliff Richard and the Shadows, including “Dancing Shoes”, “Living Doll”, “The Next Time” “On the Beach” and the title song “Summer Holiday” this is a story of love and laughter which made for an excellent piece of entertainment clearly enjoyed by the cast and audience alike.

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