THE Stevenage Lytton Players production of Summer Holiday at the Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage was certainly a hit with the audience. The tone was set by Steve Leigh (musical director) and the band, which had us all clapping away with the overture! In a

THE Stevenage Lytton Players production of Summer Holiday at the Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage was certainly a hit with the audience. The tone was set by Steve Leigh (musical director) and the band, which had us all clapping away with the overture!

In a café on a wet, miserable day, friends Edwin (Leigh Smith), Cyril (Richard Evans) and Steve (Barry McKay) sit commiserating about their lack of money or holiday when they are joined by fellow mechanic Don (Gary Ormes). He has an idea for converting a London bus, from where they work, so they can afford a holiday in the south of France, trouble is there's only one week to get it ready! All help at the depot and before you know it, wow, an impressive red bus.

So off we set, stopping in France to assist three girls - Angie (Charlie Dunne), Mimsie (Gemma Dunne) and Alma (Paula Sharp), whose car had broken down. The lads are persuaded to give them a lift through Italy as they have work in Athens.

Meanwhile Barbara (Michelle Airy), upset by her domineering mother Stella (Lesley Humphreys), decides to run away. Stella thinks she's been kidnapped so informs police and newspapers. Barbara stows away on the bus, is discovered and under pretence of being an American boy on the way to Athens, is accepted on board.

Of course Don and Barbara fall in love, the others have their girls, and Mum is happy. Great music, with Cliff Richard songs, choreography, and costume. Unfortunately there were a few first night glitches - rain too loud, microphones not set correctly and too long delays in changing sets, but I did like the use of the Little Red Bus! Great enthusiasm made this a popular show, well done.

Maureen Millard