They were building the Christmas panto set on the stage of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, last week.
They should have left it in place to accommodate the cast of this cardboard cut-out of a musical.
They are all there: Darren Day as Buttons, Suzanne Shaw as Cinders and Aimi Macdonald and Christopher Biggins as the Ugly Sisters.
We have the playing to the audience, the carefully-rehearsed ad libs, the imitations of the popular TV characters (Del Boy and Jim Brennan to name but two).
About the only thing it lacks is a yell of “He’s behind you”.
This is end-of-the-pier-show standard at best and what’s more Day – almost more Cliff than Cliff himself – seemed only too aware of the fact as he saunters his way through a performance that neither excites nor stretches him.
For a show so chockful of hit numbers – Living Doll, The Next Time, Bachelor Boy and The Young Ones as well as the endlessly-hummable title track – the packed first-night audience were strangely muted until the finale when band and cast finally did let rip to give a taste of what they could have achieved by putting a bit more heart and soul into proceedings.
But then Mark Haddigan and Michael Gyngell’s script gives them nothing to work with and seems even more flimsy than the original film.
Best moments comes from Miss Shaw, who gives a belting version of the ballad Constantly.
John Lawson - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.128.139.225)
01 Sep 03
For what it's worth I think this show delivers exactly what it promises. Superb fun, great music, witty staging.
It's not trying to be Sondheim, it's a feel good musical comedy. I cant imagine what the previous 'reviewer' means means. I loved it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14)
20 Jun 03
Very amateurish - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14)
14 Jun 03
SUMMER HOLIDAY
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 27 May 2003
A good capacity audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves as we were taken on a “Summer Holiday” by Stefan Booth (ex Hollyoaks heartthrob Jamie) playing London Transport mechanic Don, and following in the footsteps of Cliff Richard and more recently Darren Day. Booth has an easy going style, good looks and a fine singing voice and the ability to make things work on stage. He was at his most charming during the romantic ballads with Suzanne Shaw of “Hear’Say” fame who played runaway American singing star Barbara Winters. Suzanne has a strong voice and gave the song “Constantly” a great 1960’s feel. Lovely, Aimi Mac Donald plays the dreadful Stella Winters, the showbiz mother from hell with a tongue in cheek humour and is very funny in the La La La Song in which she is joined by a most amusing Christopher Biggins who plays Jerry, Barbara’s agent and long-suffering sidekick of her mother Stella. These characters have always been somewhat separate from the musical itself, coming in and out to add some comedy and although new dialogue has been written for them it does not exploit their talents to their fullest. It would have been good to see more of both stars. The mechanics and girl group “Doh Reh Me” are played enthusiastically and work well within the musical and comedy situations.
There is a certain Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney, let’s put on a show feel to this production and I got the distinct impression that working with some of the props including the sections of the red bus, its wheels and various boxes made the staging at times rather chaotic for the cast. The costumes set the scene and are colourful. I was not entirely convinced by all of the staging, much of which over stretched the imagination however, the opening London Transport café scene worked well. The musical backings by the 6 piece band led by Kevin Oliver Jones suffered at certain times by being too loud and made it impossible to hear some of the vocals. There were also at this performance a number of poor sound cues including during the first few lines of “Summer Holiday” resulting in their being no vocal amplification. All this aside there is no doubting that the songs and situations do entertain and this is certainly a show worth seeing for the “feel good factor” and freshness of its young stars.
Michael Gyngell directs this show for Richard Temple Productions in association with Studio Canal+ and the Theatre Royal Plymouth. The tour, which commenced in April, continues until 9 August.
Clive Fuller
- USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.34.91.179)
13 Jun 03
I saw this show in Wolverhampton on Bank Holiday Monday and found it to be one of the most stupid shows i have seen. Including some bad acting and bad singing this show will never make it to the West End. Even in the scenes were Don & Barbara fall in love there is not chemestry because they cant act. Its a good laugh for the family but not for serious theatre goers - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14)
27 May 03
A stage musical based on the famous road movie starring a certain Cliff Richard. All audience over 40 will know the story and words to all the songs so the only thing to review is the staging and the performers. Suzanne Shaw can sing and dance with the best of them and a long career in musical theatre should be ensured. Stefan Booth as Don was likeable and along with the rest of the cast performed the comedy and song and dance routines successfully. A special mention to Aimi MacDonald whose comic performance as Stella was brillant. An enjoyable show which ensures that the audience leaves the theatre with a smile on their faces. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (128.240.229.7)
08 May 03
After not knowing what to expect i thought this show was brilliant! Look forward to the Suzanne Shaw Performance that is truely amazing her voice is something special and her dancing is fab, and she can certainly act too!!! Stefan Booth was really good and brought a bit more life into his charactor. Id like to actually say Well Done to everyone who took part, it was an absoloutely amazing show! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.188.63.231)
29 Apr 03
I also saw this show in Bromley on Sat 19th April.It's far superior to the Hammersmith Apollo,Darren day version from a few years ago.There's a great atmosphere right from the start,generated by this young,vibrant company.Everyone makes their mark,however,three performances stood out for me.The aforementioned,Dougal Irvine,very funny in the part of Edwin.Suzanne Shaw,a good singer/dancer,and very likeable in the part of Barbara.Finally,Stefan Booth,charming with a lovely smooth voice.It's light,frothy,escapist fun and I loved it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.225.212.140)
24 Apr 03
As a fan of the 96-98 tours, I went along to Bromley on Saturday 19th April, unsure of what to expect. We, myself and my 13 year old daughter Jessica were blown away. The best thing that the producers have done is not try to re-create the 96-98 tour. Therefore giving this show a brand new format, freshness, and feel good factor. From the very start the show is alive. Absoultely fantastic. Watch out for Edwin, played by Dougal Irvine - he is so funny. Stefan Booth is Brilliant as Don, well suited to the role.
If there is one show you should go and see this summer then it is def Summer Holiday - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.74)
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