Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 4th August 2018
Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood
4****
Summer Holiday – The Musical is certainly going where the sun shines brightly and particularly during this exceptional summer. Summer Holiday -The Musical has begun its tour in Liverpool in May 2018 and continues its UK tour including a current stop at the Leeds Grand Theatre.
The stage production, adapted by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan, is based on the 1963 film Summer Holiday which originally starred Cliff Richard as Don. The story is based on him as a bus mechanic for London Transport. After a colleagues’ initial summer trip falling through he suggests and convinces his colleagues to join him on a trip across Europe in a double decker bus. Initially they were going to go to the South of France however they meet a girl band and a runaway young pop star and their destination changes to Athens via the Alps and Italy.
It is set at a time when a cultural revolution of the “Swinging 60s” was kicking in and how it radically shaped the country’s social and political landscape. Prosperity and optimism then were met with broader ideologies and references of that era were made throughout the musical particularly with the role of women and relationships.
Many would be familiar with the film but more so with the feel good tunes, under the arrangement of Rob Wicks, such as Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, Do You Wanna Dance?, Living Doll and more. Steve Howell’s summery and colourful staging works well with the adaptation and the life size red double decker bus must be the set’s highlight and it does compliment. Howell’s staging is supported by Tim Deiling’s lighting and Paul Smith’s soundscapes.
Ray Quinn plays the leading role as Don and his charismatic portrayal illuminates throughout and he is supported by an excellent cast who draws the audience in their adventures, their setbacks and mishaps, and their hopes through song and dance. All ends lovingly well and audience are treated to medley of familiar musical numbers in its finale and ends very well. Sophie Matthew’s portrayal of Barbara initially as the runaway pop star and how she blossoms to eventually falling in love with Don doesn’t go unnoticed.
Summer Holiday – The Musical is a feel good show celebrating the spirit of summer, the good and the love. It is a must see show in the summer and in any other season. One is certainly going on a summer holiday!