Sheffield Theatres couldn’t have picked a better time to launch Summer Holiday. As (at the time of writing) we bask in a heatwave, the feel-good production provided the perfect respite to the close conditions, delivering a nostalgic, uplifting show in the cool air-condition confines of the Crucible Theatre.

To mark the play’s launch, which has been adapted by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan and directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti, the Crucible had introduced Summer in the Square. As we arrived at the theatre we were greeted by a beach, buckets and spades, deckchairs and music, a great way to get into the mood for a musical road trip.

Summer Holiday is best remembered for the 1963 film starring Cliff Richard but was adapted for the stage in 1996 (by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan) and was a huge success. 

This reinterpretation puts Sheffield at its heart as bus mechanic Don borrows an orange South Yorkshire Public Network bus to embark on a road trip to the south of France with his friends, Edwin, Cyril and Steve. Along the way the pick up a musical ensemble – Do Re Mi, who need to get to Athens – and a runaway called Bobby. 

There are over 30 songs in the production, many of which you will recognise including In The Country, Bachelor Boy, The Young Ones and, of course, Summer Holiday. What was most impressive was that each member of the ensemble played the instruments, which appeared on and off stage at regular intervals. Only Ava Duncan (drums) and Isaac Savage (keyboard) maintained a permanent position at the top of the scenery, which changed from a Sheffield café to a psychedelic backdrop to the group’s adventures. Rows of bus seats were used to good effect while the journey was often mapped out brilliantly by a little remote bus that whizzed around the floor. The only changes to the stage throughout were the appearance of a full size Mini, which disgorged Do Re Mi at the beginning, and a shower, which was central to an important scene between Don and Bobby, whom we later discover is not all she seems. 

It’s a small cast – just 14 members – but all play their roles in perfect harmony, like much of the songs that have that real early sixties feel, as well as Shadows-like instrumentals. 

George Jones was superb as Don and had plenty of charisma as well as strong vocals throughout. Fanta Barrie, whom we later discover is not Bobby but singer Barbara Winters, is the perfect foil showing just the right amount of vulnerability. 

There’s plenty of humour in Summer Holiday too, mainly provided by Barbara’s mother Stella (Jane McCarry) and her agent Jerry (Damian Humbley) who look like they’re really enjoying themselves throughout and definitely have some of the best lines (and even get to ride a scooter). 

The play finished with a huge singalong and just when you thought the applause had ceased, the audience were encouraged to remain standing and dance along to the final number, Do You Wanna Dance.

Like the weather outside, Summer Holiday had plenty of sizzle and was perfectly fitting for the time of year. 

After it finishes its run in Sheffield, it will move to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.

Summer Holiday is at the Crucible until 18 July. For tickets, call 0114 249 6000 or click here.