‘We’re All Going on a…’ Summer Holiday, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 04.09.2018

Having not been to the theatre for a whole month, I was delighted to be returning back to the Orchard Theatre to get me back up and running!

Summer Holiday is a musical adaption of the 1960’s hit film of the same name that starred Cliff Richard. Don and his friends set off on a fun packed boys trip upon a London Bus traveling to Paris, The Alps, Italy and Greece, in search for a good time and brilliant summer! We follow them through their travel adventures, which is full of fun, laughter, and a little romance, as on their holiday they meet a girl band and a young American pop star who is running away from home. With Hit songs such as ‘In the Country‘, ‘Summer Holiday‘, ‘Bachelor Boy‘, ‘Move It‘, ‘Living Doll’, ‘The Young Ones’ and ‘On the Beach’. Its hard not to come away from this musical and not feel a little uplifted, it is a classic British film that is clearly loved by many from the many filled seats on its opening night!

Racky Plews directs and choreographers the current production, he ensures that the British comedy and love for the film is displayed clearly for the audience to enjoy. His choreography is outstanding, with many numbers after another that the cast just make it look easy! Each number had its own uniqueness, how many shows have dancers riding goats?? I just wanted to watch it all evening.

The set was quite limited, but set designer Steve Howell ensured that the iconic big red double decker bus could steal the light, gliding across the stage with ease throughout. It allowed us to focus on the story and enjoy what we were seeing than having many scene changes.

For tonights performance we had Starring:

Don – Ray Quinn

Alma – Alice Baker

Steve – Billy Roberts

Mimsie – Gabby Antrobus

Edwin – Joe Goldie

Angie – Laura Marie Benson

Cyril – Rory Maguire

Barbara – Sophie Matthew

Stella – Taryn Sudding

Jerry – Wayne Smith

Ensemble – Adam Crossley, Becky Bassett, Caroline Bateson, Hannah Barr, Leanne Groutage, Matt Trevorrow, Sam Gallacher, William Beckerleg.

Ray Quinn leads the cast as the role of Don which was originally played in the film by none other than Cliff Richard. Ray steps into the role like a natural, having previously seen him as Warner in Legally Blonde and Glen in The Wedding SInger you only got a small glimpse of his singing, This show allows you to appreciate the amazing swinging soft voice he has that won the hearts of many when he competed in the X Factor. But not only does he have a voice that makes you swoon, but he has the moves that do not step out of time. His dancing was mesmerizing to watch and even during the ensemble numbers your eye draws to Ray many times throughout.  He had the charm, voice and great one liners that had the audience chuckling away, falling in love just as they did with Cliff! He truly is a triple threat! Playing his leading lady was Sophie Matthews as Barbara, a softer voice but beautiful nonetheless. Her duets with Ray were lovely to watch and you could see their chemistry grow on stage throughout the story!

Along with the leading duo their were many other duos that helped bring the story to life, the 3 boys Edwin, Cyril and Steve played by Billy, Joe, and Rory were all perfect for their roles and won the hearts of many of their audience. They each had a moment to shine whether it was juggling, miming, or dancing but they all did it beautifully. Along with them came a trio of ladies Mimsie, Angie and Alma, played by Gabby, Alice and Laura all innocent young girls with steps and voices to suit! When acting along the boys they had some great moments!

The final duo I would like to mention is that of Stella and Jerry, played by Taryn and Wayne. I thoroughly enjoyed their slapstick comedy moments throughout the musical of them trying to ‘rescue’ Stella’s Daughter Barbara. Wayne in particular at the perfect comedy timing that worked excellent against Taryn’s demands. You just wanted to see what they would do next!

Summer Holiday is an uplifting Musical that is for all ages! It was clear that the audience loved it from the finale, as they were all standing and dancing. If you don’t know the film, then be welcome to a classic. But if you love the film, you will be happy to see if live before your very eyes and make the classic film proud!

Summer Holiday plays at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 8th September, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its UK tour, finishing in November this year. For all dates and venues head to their website here.