Summer Holiday

was our May 2014 musical

WE'RE ALL GOING: 
Audiences were thrilled by the opening night of the smash hit musical Summer Holiday.

The original film story concerns Don (Cliff Richard) and his friends (Hayes, Green and Bulloch) who are bus mechanics at the huge London Transport bus overhaul works in Aldenham, Hertfordshire. During a miserably wet British summer lunch break, Don arrives, having persuaded London Transport to lend him and his friends a red double-decker bus.  This they convert into a holiday caravan, which they drive across continental Europe, intending to reach the South of France. However, their eventual destination is Athens. On the way, they are joined by a girl trio and a runaway singer, initially pretending to be male, pursued by her mother and agent. The movie was a box-office hit   'Sunny version of the classic Cliff Richard show'   SUMMER HOLIDAY Stoke Rep "I'D never seen the film Summer Holiday, so I had no idea what to expect when I went to see Porthill Players' production of the stage show of that name.  So what did I get? Well, it is a treat for Cliff Richard fans. The show includes many of his most famous hits - Bachelor Boy. Livin' Doll, The Young Ones and, of course, the title song. The show is packed full of music. If you include the overture and a couple of song reprises, there are more than 25 musical numbers. The plot is a convoluted one incorporating London bus drivers, a girls' pop group, a fleeing American singer and her ambitious mother, not to mention a Greek goat throwing contest. However, perhaps the major problems for any company are its shifting locations - France, Italy and Greece. There is also the need to make an audience in a chilly Stoke-on-Trent feel that they are basking in the Mediterranean sunshine. The first problem was dealt with by the ingenious device of a model London bus. pushed by its conductress, crossing and re-crossing the stage with a back projection showing the location.  The second problem can largely be resolved by the enthusiasm of the company. Porthill Players were fortunate in both principals and chorus gave 100 per cent. The eight 'young ones' - Don, Barbara, Cyril, Steve, Edwin, Alma, Angie. Mimsie - were all good in their characterisations with vocal talents to match. They also danced well. Numbers involving the whole company were strong and the show was well choreographed with plenty of movement, despite the fact that the playing area of the stage is quite small. Scenery and props were appropriate and the many scene changes smooth. Costumes captured the period but I would perhaps like to have seen some stronger colour used at times to help to emphasise the change from grey England to sunny Europe. Overall, it was an enjoyable evening's entertainment" Jean Pointon Sentinel Newspaper, May 15 2014       From left are cast members Chris Pearce as Steve, Dan Mee as Edwin and James King as Cyril.   Four London Bus mechanics strike up a deal with London Transport. They do up a double decker London Bus, and aim to drive it to the South of France as a sort of hotel. If they make it they reckon they might be able to charge people to go the following year and run it as a business.! While on the road in France they pick up three girls whose car has broken down and offer to take them to their next singing job in Athens. They also pick up a stowaway - a young, American boy.! Meanwhile, a young American female singer has gone missing. Her mother (who is a VERY ambitious woman) and her press agent refused her a holiday, so she ran away. They take the story to the press and her mother traces a phone call to the singer’s whereabouts. So, off they go in pursuit.! As the first half of the show draws to a close, we find out the young American boy is actually the young American girl, Barbara, who is missing. Mayhem ensues as the lead character, Don falls for Barbara and the travellers cross through Switzerland, Italy and into Greece trying to keep one step ahead of Barbara’s mother.! Eventually, when the 8 bus riders reach Athens, they're arrested for kidnapping. In front of her mother and a Ballroom filled with world-press, Barbara and Don declare their love for each other and the mother accepts (after realising how 'big' Don will become). The show ends with a beach party on a Greek beach with everyone very much enjoying their well- deserved holiday!!