Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Steve Howell. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Steve Howell. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 May 2018
Summer Holiday: The Musical (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Summer Holiday: The Musical (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 22nd May 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Based on the 1963 Cliff Richard hit, Summer Holiday: The Musical, taps into nostalgia and humour as a group of youngsters hop on a bus to live their dreams and go on a whirlwind adventure of self-discovery and love. The story follows four mechanics who, on a quest for the perfect summer holiday, travel around Europe on a double-decker bus as they plan a travel business. Along the way they meet a three person girl group and a runaway singer. Romance, laughter and catchy songs ensue.
Having not seen the film (it came out 33 years before I was born) I was not sure what to expect but this production delivered on so many levels and pleasantly surprised me. The humour is predictable and the plot isn't anything special but this is a high-energy, feel good show that's perfect for warm summer nights of escapism.
The set is basic but the big red bus certainly provides the wow factor. Steve Howell's design is simplistic without being basic and really helps highlight Racky Plews' fantastic choreography which is certainly one of the finest aspects of the production. The mixture of dance styles are extremely impressive. There are some West Side Story vibes as well as fabulous rock and roll moments. I didn't expect this show to be so choreography heavy but was very dazzled. The sleek movements are pulled off by the entire cast to great affect. There were a few errors such as dropped props but the professional cast did a wonderful job of covering up and making mistakes a part of the show.
Summer Holiday's cast give high-energy performances matched with strong vocals. Ray Quinn as Don gives an especially strong performance although his different accent whilst singing vs speaking did throw me a bit. However, he is a very strong singer, dancer and actor and is perfect for the role- suitably cheesy but well-rounded. As runaway singer, Sophie Matthew gives a lovely performance, with her bright eyes gleaming from the stage and her vocals shining during act two especially.
Each cast member does a great job of looking as though they're having fun on stage. This show is a real team piece with everyone working together well; particular stand out's are Billy Roberts as Steve and Alice Baker as Alma.
Summer Holiday: The Musical is lighthearted fun, perfect for those who want to reminisce on the 60s as well as those experiencing the story with fresh eyes. Take a break from the weight of the world and board the red bus for a few hours of carefree, musical fun.
Summer Holiday: The Musical runs at the New Victoria Theatre until May 26th before continuing it's UK tour.
Friday, 7 November 2025
Jersey Boys 20th Anniversary UK & Ireland Tour Announced | The Hit Musical Returns
The Boys Are Back on Tour
Get ready to sing along once again- Jersey Boys, the Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award-winning musical, is hitting the road for its 20th Anniversary UK and Ireland Tour. The tour will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 15 June 2026, with performances running into 2027 and further dates to be announced soon.
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 11 November 2025, giving fans a chance to see one of the most beloved musicals of all time live once more.
Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, Jersey Boys takes audiences behind the music and inside the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, the blue-collar kids from New Jersey whose harmonies took the world by storm.
From their first note to the heights of fame, the show captures their rise, fall, and enduring legacy, featuring chart-topping hits such as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, and Oh, What a Night.
A Musical Legacy That Changed Theatre
Producer Michael David of The Dodgers said:
“We are thrilled for JERSEY BOYS to return to the road across the United Kingdom and Ireland. When the show first opened on Broadway 20 years ago, little did we know the story of these four blue-collar kids from the wrong side of the tracks would resonate across the UK. We are so grateful to work our way back to you and celebrate 20 years of, as Frankie says, chasing the music, trying to get home.”
Since its Broadway debut in 2005, Jersey Boys has become a global phenomenon, winning 65 major awards and playing to over 30 million people worldwide. It ran for over a decade in New York, enjoyed a record-breaking nine-year West End run, and has since toured the world to massive acclaim.
This special 20th anniversary tour reunites the original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, alongside scenic designer Klara Zieglerova, costume designer Jess Goldstein, lighting designer Howell Binkley, and sound designer Steve Canyon Kennedy.
For fans of musical theatre and London theatre, the return of Jersey Boys is an unmissable celebration of timeless music, storytelling, and the unstoppable spirit of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
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