Summer Holiday the Musical at Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Review
Written by Kirsty for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
It has been 30 years since Mark Haddigan and Michael Gyngell first adapted the classic Cliff Richard movie for the stage, and in this new actor-musician led production, they have breathed new life into this well-known coming-of-age story for the whole family to enjoy, keeping Sheffield at the heart of the piece.
George Jones plays Don, who, with the help of his friends Edwin, Steve and Cyril, decides to convert an old South Yorkshire Transport Passenger Network bus into their home for a summer road trip. Along the way, they meet the group Do Re Me, and later Barbara and their quiet European road trip turns into an exciting voyage of discovery, acceptance and finding love.
The cast is exceptional in this production. Jones plays Don as a cheeky chappy with a heart of gold, with vocals and charm to match. It is always lovely to watch any actor-musician-led production, and Summer Holiday is no exception, with Elliot Mackenzie being a particular standout. The scene transitions with Mackenzie, Jim Duah, and Trudy Ward are a joy to watch, complete with the choreography nods to the iconic moves of The Shadows. This reminds us that although this is a new retelling, the source material remains at the heart of the show. Richard Reeday’s arrangements of the classic songs allowed the talents of the cast to shine, without removing the charm and nostalgia of the source material.
Fanta Barbie as Barbara is a pleasure to watch, her vocals are flawless and her later scenes with Jones are emotionally charged and heartwarming. Their rendition of “Bachelor Boy” and “A Swinging Affair” were beautiful to watch.
Damien Humbley and Jane McCarry steal every scene they are in. McCarry plays Stella with a comedic villainy that is perfectly timed and never feels overplayed. The slapstick police scenes are particularly hilarious.
Amanda Stoodley’s set design is simple yet incredibly effective, and the use of 1960s-inspired colour and patterns makes for the perfect backdrop. The decision to use a small radio-controlled bus rather than unwieldy bus backdrops allows the actors to shine. The costumes were just as effective and really helped with the storytelling.
After Summer Holiday departs from Sheffield, the show will move to Blackpool (where the musical debuted back in 1996), and it is the perfect show to bring the whole family together.
Summer Holiday plays at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield until 18 July.
★★★★
