Mark Perkins' online blog

Summer Holiday is easily one of the most joyful, uplifting and energetic nights that I have ever spent in the Crucible. The landmark 1960s film musical film was adapted for the stage in the 1990s, and is now brought to the Crucible stage by co-directors Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti. It is an absolute delight from its sing-along start right through to its dancing and rousing finale, which had the entire audience on their feet singing along and dancing.

Of course, all the much-loved hits are here; ‘Summer Holiday’, ‘The Young Ones’, ‘Bachelor Boy’ and ‘In The Country’, but what was a bonus was the chance to discover, or rediscover, some of the lesser known 1960s songs which added an extra level of fun.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of the film, remember the 1990s revival or are coming to Summer Holiday completely fresh, it makes no difference at all. Within the first few minutes the enthusiasm and talent of the young cast will sweep you away, and you will be transported with them, on a South Yorkshire double-decker bus, as it winds its way through France, en route to Athens.

For those familiar with the film, Don, the bus garage mechanic, now works in Sheffield. He and his friends take their bus over to Europe, where they meet a stranded singing group, Do Re Me, and take them to Athens. Along the way they pick up runaway singer Bobby, who of course, turns out to be Barbara.

But of course the plot itself is almost beside the point. It merely provides an excuse for a group of young people to experience life away from home. For teenage audiences back in the 1960s, that sense of freedom must have felt nothing short of revolutionary. Today the story still has the same timeless thrill of the chance to fall in love, while travelling abroad. It also reminds us of that unrestricted joy of getting away for the summer to somewhere warm, although that might seem less of a far-off dream, given the sweltering evening on which I saw it.

What sets this show apart from most musicals was its unusual approach to the music. Rather than relying on an off-stage band, the actors themselves are the musicians. This brings a feeling of immediacy and intimacy, making the whole performance feel alive and authentic. It would be hard to choose a stand-out performance from amongst them, and unfair really as they all work so seamlessly and strong as an ensemble. That said, two performances deserve a special mention. Alongside the younger characters, there are two ‘grown-ups’, Stella and Jerry, who chase the bus around Europe to ‘rescue’ their daughter from this band of wandering musicians. They are perfectly and hilariously played by Jane McCarry and Damian Humbley.

Summer Holiday on the Crucible stage skilfully updates Peter Yates’ 1963 film, but keeps enough of the original early 60s, pre-Beatles energy to stay true to its roots. It captures the optimism of a generation taking charge of their lives in a way their parents never could, all wrapped up in a show that feels just as fresh and fun today.