Blackpool Grand Theatre is getting ready to welcome one of the brightest, breeziest and most irresistibly toe-tapping musicals of the year, as rehearsal images are released for the new co-production of Summer Holiday The Musical, directed by Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti (The Brenda Line, Gypsy, The Secret Garden).
A joyous new stage version of the iconic 1960s Cliff Richard film, Summer Holiday The Musical brings all the sunshine, romance and feel-good nostalgia of the much-loved movie to the stage, complete with a soundtrack packed full of classic hits including Summer Holiday, The Young Ones and Dancing Shoes.
Following its opening in Sheffield, the production will travel to Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 29 July to Saturday 8 August, giving audiences across Blackpool, the Fylde Coast and the wider North West the chance to climb aboard for the ultimate musical road trip.
Aboard a double-decker bus, Don and his friends set off on a fun-packed journey through Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece in search of good times and a brilliant summer. Along the way they encounter pop bands, runaway pop stars and, of course, a little holiday romance. Bursting with laughter, music and memories, Summer Holiday is a sun-soaked celebration of freedom, friendship and adventure, and promises to be one of the happiest nights out of the season.
For Blackpool audiences, there could hardly be a more fitting summer show. A town built on entertainment, music, seaside joy and great nights out, Blackpool is the perfect destination for this glorious musical escape, bringing the golden-age charm of Cliff Richard’s beloved film together with the energy of a fresh new stage production.
Andrew Howard, Head of Audiences, Marketing and Sales at Blackpool Grand Theatre, said: “We absolutely love this show already. There is such a gorgeous buzz building around Summer Holiday The Musical, and we’re hearing from audiences who are making plans to travel to Blackpool especially to see it, which is just brilliant. It has everything you want from a summer visit to the theatre: huge-hearted nostalgia, a toe-tapping soundtrack, a classic Cliff Richard story and that irresistible feel-good glow. Blackpool knows better than anywhere how to turn a simple visit into an everlasting memory, and this production feels made for us. It’s joyful, sunny, full of life and, quite honestly, the ultimate great summer holiday.”
The cast includes Fanta Barrie (The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs) as Barbara, Jim Duah (Good Golly Miss Molly) as Edwin, Ava Duncan (A Bit of Roll Play – Tramway) as Ensemble, Charlie Hale (Come From Away) as Swing, Nis Raza Hamiliton (The Railway Children) as Angie, Robin Harris (Much Ado About Nothing – Shakespeare North) as Steve, Matthew James Hinchliffe (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as Al, Damian Humbley (Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends) as Jerry, George Jones (Witness For The Prosecution) as Don, Elliot Mackenzie (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button) as Cyril, Jane McCarry (Still Game – BBC) as Stella, Isaac Savage (SCOTS) as Ensemble, Tolia Uwalaka (Wham! The Show) as Swing and Trudy Ward (Gypsy – Pitlochry Festival Theatre) as Mimsie.
Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director and Co-Director of Summer Holiday, Elizabeth Newman and Co-director Ben Occhipinti said: “For us, Summer Holiday is pure joy – full of freedom, adventure, music and heart. We’re incredibly excited to bring a fresh new energy to this iconic musical and create a production that feels vibrant, uplifting and bursting with life.”
The full creative team are: Co-Directors Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti, Set and Costume Designer Amanda Stoodley, Musical Director Richard Reeday, Movement Director Lesley Hutchison, Lighting Designer Rory Beaton, Sound Designer Tom Marshall, Associate Director Eilidh Gibson, and Casting Director Arthur Carrington CDG.
Stage adaptation by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan. Based on the film Summer Holiday, directed by Peter Yates, screenplay by Ronald Cass and Peter Myers and by special arrangement with StudioCanal. Orchestrations by Keith Strachan. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International on behalf of Josef Weinberger Limited.
Summer Holiday The Musical opens at the Blackpool Grand Theatre from Wednesday 29 July to Saturday 8 August.
For tickets, visit Blackpool Grand Theatre online at http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call 01253 290 190. For Group and School bookings, call 01253 74 32 32.
LISTINGS
A Sheffield Theatres Production in association with Blackpool Grand Theatre
Summer Holiday The Musical
Directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti
Wed 29 Jul to Sat 08 August
Sat 8 Aug, 2pm (BSL and Audio Described)
Tickets from £18 (Groups/Coach rates available).
Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT
Box Office 01253 290 190
blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Facebook – @blackpoolgrand
Twitter – @Grand_Theatre
Instagram – grandtheatrebpl
