Reviewed by Sasha Nye
The Theatre Royal in Brighton is probably one of my favourite theatres to go to. I love how traditional it is, the ambience, the decor. Even with its traditional appearance it fits in really well in the unique and Diverse Brighton. It really puts you in the right mood for whatever show you are going to see. The staff are always very polite, friendly, extremely well presented and on hand to help with any query that you may have. A bonus is that it’s minutes walk from car parks and local transport.
Summer Holiday a thoroughly enjoyable feel good musical. The hit 1960’s film starring Cliff Richard has been brought to the stage. It is about a group of boys who head out on a trip of a lifetime to celebrate summer in a London bus, heading originally to France. After a few detours, they end up travelling around Europe, visiting the Alps, Italy and Greece. Their journey is full of fun, laughter and romance. On their way the encounter lots of trouble including a girl band and a young American pop star who is running away from home.
Cliff Richard was, and is still, a firm British favourite and along with The Shadows had some big hits with some of the songs from the film. This included Summer Holiday, Living Doll, The Young Ones, Dancing Shoes and Bachelor Boy.
The show lived up to the original film, it was packed full of fun, humour, great songs, great choreography and it was extremely entertaining.
Ray Quinn was superb as Don, played originally by Cliff Richard in the film. He has an exquisite singing voice, he can act and dance too! An all-round great entertainer. With his boys to accompany him Cyril (Rory Maguire), Edwin (Joe Goldie) and Steve (Billy Roberts) the audience was kept entertained, engaged and laughing throughout. Some stand out moments for me were Cyril’s (Rory Maguire) mime act, the girl band’s performance in the club and apart from Ray Quinn who I think stole the show, I think William Beckerleg who was part of the ensemble and played a number of different parts was amazing and very talented.
A musical full of fun, humour and great sing a long hits. A feel good show for this time of the year. Put on your dancing shoes and go and see it!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15 to £48 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Summer Holiday is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton from 17-21 July 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
