We’re going where the sun shines brightly this June as Sheffield Theatres presents Summer Holiday in the Crucible; the brightest and bounciest musical based on the iconic feel-good film from the 1960s. 

Aboard a double decker bus, Don and his friends are on a fun-packed trip across Europe in search of a good time, encountering runaway pop stars and holiday romance along the way. 

Co-director of the production and Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, Elizabeth Newman tells us more about bringing this sun-soaked production to the Sheffield stage.

For anyone who hasn’t seen the 1963 film of the same name, can you give a brief overview of the story?

It is a story that celebrates young people, travel, and adventure. Don has an idea for a new business, which also doubles as a way to ensure he and his friends can enjoy a holiday they currently can’t afford. He persuades them to get a bus together and run a trial for the business.

En route, they meet a wannabe pop group Do Re Mi who have broken down in their Mini, and they offer to help get them to their gig. However, a major event happens: simultaneously, a pop star called Barbara runs away from her mother and stows away on the bus.

Lots of fun and antics follow as they try to get Do Re Mi, the pop group, to their gig in Greece, while the young travellers begin to fall in love — and Barbara’s overbearing mother attempts to thwart her daughter’s desire for freedom.

This is not your first time staging this production – can you tell us a bit more about you plans to bring the show to life, and if there will be any Sheffield-specific references we can look forward to?

The wonderful writers, Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan, have created our very own version of the musical for this production! Audiences can except everything they love about it but it’s definitely a fresh new version for 2026 and it’s going to be focused on Sheffield (and indeed Blackpool as we are making it with them too!)

What do you love most about this show? And how do you think audiences will feel after having watched it? 

I love the fact it’s a celebration of love, music and hope. It is about possibilities and adventures and, in the words of the screenwriters and musical adaptors, it has no cynicism in it. It is pure of heart and full of JOY!

Not only will there be sunshine in the Crucible, but there will also be a beach appearing on Tudor Square! What can you tell us about the incoming Costa del Sheffield? 

LOTS OF SAND AND FUN AND CELEBRATION!

After entertaining the people of Yorkshire, the show crosses the border to Lancashire and parks up in Blackpool at The Grand Theatre. Dubbed as: the spiritual home of the Great British summer holiday, what are you most looking forward to about taking the show on the road to the seaside?

Being near the sea! It feels like it will add an entirely new energy to the production. We can’t wait to build a beach but it’ll be great to be near one too!

Summer Holiday opens at the Crucible from Saturday 20 June and runs until Saturday 18 July. Tickets are available here.