Summer Holiday - 2010

 Based on the film starring Cliff Richard, this lively musical about four mechanics kitting out a red London bus for a holiday abroad proved just the ticket for an impressive young cast. Aged between 10 and 18, they showed remarkable maturity in five appearances before the show arrived at the terminus on Saturday night.

Joshua Coley, who is off to stage school later this year, was outstanding as Don, leader of the team, revealing a fine voice in several of the big numbers such as “In the Country”, “Bachelor Boy” and, of course, “Summer Holiday”.

He had a splendid partner in 16-year-old Tamworth student Hannah Brook, playing Barbara, the famous singer found as a stowaway on the bus, disguising herself as a boy, in an effort to escape her domineering mother Stella (Gemma Hudson).

Outstanding performances, too, from James Hudson, Adam Brown and Duncan Burt as the other three mechanics Steve, Edwin and Cyril, with Georgia Towler, Kitty Campbell and Eleanor Snowdon, the trio of singers the busmen collected on the way to Athens.

Bright choreography by Suzy Petty helped keep the action moving briskly in a show well directed by Deb Brook, with Barry Smart's musical direction.

VERDICT: * * * *

PAUL MARSTON