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REVIEW | Summer Holiday - The Musical, Sheffield Crucible
- Harry Brogan
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
While the country bakes in a heatwave this week, Sheffield Theatres takes us all on a 'Summer Holiday' with their production of the stage adaption of the 1960s film with the same name, which is packed with tonnes of Cliff Richard songs. This production is in association with Blackpool Grand Theatre, and if you want a lively, colourful and cheery 60s summer musical then look no further.
Based on the 60s film, Summer Holiday follows Don and his friends who board a double decker bus and set out on a journey of fun, travelling through Europe, to Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece for their 'Summer Holiday', and along the way the group are joined by a singing group and a runaway pop star. Romance sparks and there's fun and chaos all round. The production is adapted and tailored to Sheffield audiences with a South Yorkshire transport network bus being one that the group travel on and the show has a Sheffield setting, this is a nice touch and gives this production a lovely Sheffield stamp.
Summer Holiday is co-directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti, adapted to the stage by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan and has songs by 60s pop sensation Sir Cliff Richard. Sheffield Theatres production of this swinging 60s musical is yes a fun musical to see being only 5 days into official summer, though unfortunately it has its up's and its down's.
Director's Newman and Occhipinti come together to create what is a zany show. We are instantly greeted and introduced to a cafe on what is a rainy Yorkshire day, with soon enough being bolted into colour bringing the smiles to audiences faces, forming the fun of the show. Newman and Occhipinti deliver on showing friendship of Don (George Jones) and friends well, which is carried throughout the duration of show, with every time they decide something this always feels like a nice moment. Both Newman and Occhipinti brilliantly use the steps leading from stage to foyer using the auditorium and the capabilities of the Crucible almost perfectly. Although this is not to be said for some of the shows transitions from scene to scene, the usage of a lift coming up from the stage, sadly for me slowed the pacing down, almost nearly pulling you out of the circle of fun of the show, if it wasn't for the 60s transitional music and at times the some of the quirky transitions like the transitions from country to country, almost all the transitions from scenes sometimes felt lacking and broke pace. I personally think from past Crucible shows the usage of the space for 'Summer Holiday' felt mixed and simply felt sparse at times. Though what Newman and Occhipinti do well in this production is creating this show to be an actor musician show and incorporating instruments seamlessly, which makes the production feel, in what I would say, even more authentic to the original stage production (even though I didn't see it). There are moments that are well directed with excellence, that delivers on what the show aims to be which is a fun upbeat show, in a time where the world feels a little uncertain from almost day to day. With likeable moments between Don (Jones) and Barbara (Fanta Barrie), showing their growing love, the awkwardly funny moments with the band Do Re Mi when meeting the boys, plus the various pleasing moments with Stella (Jane McCarry) and Jerry (Damian Humbley) when on stage - who both make a great duo to watch. Newman and Occhipinti create various levels of agreeable directing with both presenting steady direction with adding splashes of fun to the production, it's a shame that the pace is slowed at times, breaking momentum and ultimately feeling like you wanted the show to move on.
Adapted to the stage by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan, both create a 'what it says on the tin' type show. It's a bit of theatre fun that doesn't take its self too seriously, Gyngell and Haddigan write comedy well throughout with continuous jokes from the character of Steve (Robin Harris) calling others 'Charlie' - though never explained why, as well as the moments of chaos between McCarry and Humbley. The script is maybe a little lacking for me, with not really being able to fully connect to characters and understand a relationship forming between them properly due to the dialogue being short as soon enough we are hearing a musical number, which yes does move the story along, but feels like they don't allow or give time for the character dialogue or plot that much, while audiences may enjoy this, it feels to me this musical certainly relies on Sir Cliff Richard's songs to tell the story, but with what story and dialogue there is, it is pleasing, and the show perfectly adapts itself to a Sheffield setting. Sir Cliff Richard's music is enjoyable, bring the 60s summer sound all around, they're sunny, they're energy packed and certainly get the audience foot-tapping and singing along and dancing right from the start to finish - I certainly saw many audience members enjoying them around me.
The cast as a whole collectively come together with this show being a small cast, many form part of the band. The cast excellently play the various musical instruments well, Harris is funny at playing Steve delivering on great comedy skills, with Jones delivering sweetness edging towards a boy next door type character, with also delivering on skilled vocals throughout. McCarry and Humbley are collectively funny together and bounce off each other brilliantly with also presenting good accents when being police officers in the different countries. Fanta Barrie excellently delivers an fab vocals as Barbara. The whole cast as an ensemble do well with their vocals altogether bringing a cheery sound.
Design wise, Amanda Stoodley creates an array of vibrant colour, with a simplistic set bringing 60s vibes to life, in addition to the brilliant 60s fashion costume design. Lesley Hutchison brings nice movement to the show with it not being so over the top but fits well with the show and the moveable set pieces.
Overall, 'Summer Holiday' is a 60s Jukebox musical that has brightness, enjoyable music and a talented cast. With smoother transitions, an extended script 'Summer Holiday' could be a perfect summer musical. It's an easy watch and has pleasing delivery, I saw many who enjoyed the show around the auditorium, which I did too, but with feeling of being disconnected at times left me feeling wanting more.
★★★
Summer Holiday plays at the Sheffield Crucible until Saturday 18 July before transferring to Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 29 July - Saturday 8 August.
