Summer Holiday The Musical at the Cliffs Pavilion Southend Review

Reviewed by Amanda Gazzard

The famous red double-decker bus has made its way to the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. Summer Holiday The Musical is based on the classic 1960’s film which starred Cliff Richard and The Shadows. This stage musical includes all of the number one hits from the movie, plus some additional Cliff Richard classics.

The scene is set and the story begins with Don, played by former X Factor star Ray Quinn who rightfully so entertains the audience with not only his beautiful voice and boyish charms but also his energetic moves and just for the ladies you are treated to his amazing toned body in the shower scene (wink wink!!!!), his three friends Jerry (Wayne Smith), Steve (Billy Roberts) and Edwin (Joe Goldie) all perform brilliantly together and with the combined vocals and humour they make for a believable trio of friends. They all work for London Transport as bus mechanics and undertake a journey together on a red double-decker bus traveling through Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece.

Along their travels they rescue a trio singing girl group, Mimsi (Gabby Antrobus), Alma (Alice Baker) and Angie (Laura Marie Benson). Things become complicated when they realize they have a stow away on board, Barbara (Sophie Matthew), who tricks them all into thinking she is a he, in fact a teenage boy but then through a chain of events turns out to be an American girl who as a pop star has run away from her overbearing mum, Stella (Taryn Sudding).

Summer Holiday features many of the 1960’s major songs including Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Living Doll, The Young Ones and On the Beach.

All in all, this was a likeable cast from the beginning who all looked as though they thoroughly enjoyed their time on the stage. The vocals combined with the occasionally jokes worked well together. The choreography was expertly delivered and the costumes changes were very much in keeping with the era.

Even though this was a fantastic performance I can understand that Summer Holiday may have a limited audience due to the time period of the original film or loving Cliff Richard and The Shadows music, which is a shame as yes this does have elements of the original film but as with all stage productions they have the poetic license to put a spin on things and make it their own, which in this case they do and it works very well. With that in mind I have rated Summer Holiday 5 out of 5 and would highly recommend this production.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £24.50 to £43 (booking fees may apply).

Summer Holiday The Musical is at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend from 23-27 August 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.

Parking restrictions are now in place around the Cliffs Pavilion due to residents parking. The easiest place to park for free after 6pm is the sea front. It’s only a short walk up the steps to the theatre.

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135