Review - Summer Holiday at Cliffs Pavilion Southend It would probably have been a bit rude for this sunny and warm production of the classic Cliff Richard film not to stop on its tour in Southend.

The beautiful cliff top theatre, overlooking the sea on a perfect summer’s evening was just the setting last night for this lively and jolly production.

With nostalgia being such big business these days, anything that takes us back to slightly innocent times is a sure fire winner and this is pure joy.

Former X-factor runner up Ray Quinn provides the star quality as Don, played originally of course by Cliff Richard, who along with his hapless friends, head off on a Mediterranean adventure on a customised London Bus.

Along the way they pick up three lovely ladies heading to Athens for a singing performance and another who is trying to escape a life of stardom.

There is no doubting Ray’s singing credentials, he really can belt out a tune and this sort of music is right up his street, but he is ably supporting both vocally and in comic timing by the rest of the cast including Billy Roberts, Joe Goldie and Rory Maguire as his buddies and Sophie Matthew as his potential love interest Barbara.

All the songs are here, many so iconic even my 11-year-old knew them, from the title belter through to On the Beach, Do You Wanna Dance and Have your Heard the News.

The energy of the cast never seems to dip and they really do sing and dance pretty much throughout.

You will have to be quick as this was just a short pit stop for the Big Red Bus, which deserves a credit all of its own, but you really should treat yourself to this delightful show if you can.

Summer Holiday is at the Cliffs Pavilion until Monday August 27. Contact the Box Office online at www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk for tickets