Reviewed by Helen Noble
A foot tapping spectacular!
Includes classics such as In the Country, Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Living Doll, The Young Ones and On the Beach.
The hit iconic 1960’s film starring Cliff Richard is now the feel-good musical of the year bringing music, laughter and fun to the stage as it becomes the happiest hit musical around.
Multi-talented actor, singer, dancer and ice skater Ray Quinn has the role of Don (originally played by Cliff in the film) Wayne Smith as Jerry, Sophie Matthew plays runaway singer, Barbara, with the understudy Becky Bassett stepping in for the role of Stella, her over bearing fame hungry mother.
Billy Roberts (Steve), Joe Goldie (Edwin) and Rory Maguire (Cyril) play Don’s fellow London Transport mechanics.
Gabby Antrobus (Mimsie), Alice Baker (Alma) and Laura Marie Benson (Angie) play girl singing group ‘Do-Re-Mi!’.
This is the story of their amazing Summer Holiday adventure, which is full of fun, laughter, hit songs, and of course romance. With the idea of a new bus touring business the boys decide to trial there idea on a fun packed boys trip upon a newly renovated London bus, initially planning to travel from London to France, and ending up on a detour as along the way they meet up with a girl band who have broken down, and a young American pop star who is running away from home.
Summer Holiday is sure to have you singing, humming and foot tapping from beginning to end. The endless enthusiasm from the cast scarcely lets up with some of the dance routines as impressive as they are energetic. The singing is immense, and the acting is superb with a touch of rib tickling comedy to it.
The main stage scenery of course is the famous big red London bus, you actually feel like you wish you could hop on board! The Alpine skiing routine at the beginning of the second act with the dancers whizzing across the stage wearing heelys was rather clever. And look out for the dancing goats that has the audience in fits of laughter.
I am in my 40’s and remember watching the film as a kid, overall I thoroughly enjoyed the show.
There is lift access to most of the auditorium (excluding the Upper Balcony) from the foyer and a wheelchair access lift to the foyer from the Box Office. Some areas of the auditorium do have steep stairs and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. It is recommended to check with the Box Office before purchasing a ticket if you have any concerns.
The theatre has spaces for wheelchair users which have to be booked through the Box Office in advance if required telephone 0113 2053899.
There are accessible toilets located in the Stalls and Dress Circle.
Just five minutes’ walk from the theatre, is The Core car park, if you book your car park space in advance you are guaranteed a parking space as well as paying a lower rate.
There are a few dedicated parking spaces for disabled drivers within the area which are a couple of minutes away these can be found by searching the Leeds City Centre Parking Map.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £21 to £38.50 (booking fees may apply).
Summer Holiday The Musical is at the Leeds Grand Theatre from 31 July to 4 August 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 848 2700.
Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ | 0844 848 2700
