Summer Holiday at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review

Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie

Nothing warms the heart as much as a feel-good, sing along musical; Summer Holiday brought the sun back on a cold rainy evening.

Based on the 1963 film, but with several hits from Cliff Richard’s back catalogue that were not in the film, but it worked with the charismatic cast.

A group of pals who work in the London Transport mechanics department are looking forward to their upcoming summer holiday; but with no transport, limited funds it is looking bleak. Don (X-Factor’s Ray Quinn) persuades his employers to lend him a double decker bus for the season with a view to touring sunny Europe. On their travels they come across a trio of girls who have broken down and needing to get to Athens, after a vote the girls join them for the cross-country trip. It is further complicated when a singer stows away to escape her domineering mother. An adventure filled with comedy and love ensues.

The production has chosen brilliant singers and performers, but somehow it doesn’t completely gel. The weak story and young love between the couples’ lack chemistry but the songs save the day as they bring back the nostalgia of Summer Holiday in the sixties.

Singing albeit quietly to myself some of the favourite; Summer Holiday, Batchelor Boy, Living Doll and Foot Tapper, except at the end when we were encouraged to sing and dance along. It is a shame as it would have made us part of the ‘summer holiday’ throughout the show to participate.

The characters of the domineering mother, Stella (Becky Bassett) and agent Jerry (Wayne Smith) were my favourites as they brought in comedy and mishap. Even though Stella could have been played by an older person to fit her character, she played her part competently.

Summer Holiday left us feeling happy and singing all the way home.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £13 to £48.50 (plus £2.85 tranaction fee).

Summer Holiday is at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow from 30 October to 3 November 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/kings or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.

King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648