Cromer Pier's Summer Seaside Special is a national institution having run for 30 years playing to packed houses.
It's described as the last traditional end-of-the-pier show in the country, but no-one rests on their laurels at Cromer. Three years ago the theatre had an overhaul, making it both larger - by the clever addition of a balcony - and the most comfortable venue in the county. The operators Openwide also conducted a survey asking if people would welcome a Christmas show. Plenty said yes so last year the first Christmas version took to the stage and proved a big hit.Ìý Strolling up the pier, the opening night was calm by Cromer's standards with just big waves rolling in under a moonlit sky but it did seem strange to be there in the middle of winter. Yet once inside the pleasure of it all took over: I was back in the delightful warm pier pavilion waiting for those red curtains to open - and I wasn't disappointed. Di Cooke is the director and choreographer who really does have a magic touch. She knows how to create something which combines the Christmas elements with a snappy show. Formula which works December sees the Royal Variety Show on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One - it's the only time in the year now that we have a variety show. Yet at Cromer the audience flocks to see this mix of music, dance and comedy. The television powers-that-be may have decided there isn’t an appetite for this – Cromer proves them wrong.
 | | The dancers add plenty of glitz |
This show oozes quality all the way: gorgeous costumes from Carry On Costumes, great sets from Ian Westbrook including a lovely winter scene of Cromer Pier from the beach and excellent musical arrangements from Ian Hogg. As you might expect there is plenty of variety. One minute there's the big production number of A Rock 'n' Roll Christmas, a selection from Jesus Christ Superstar, jiving snowmen and classical dance accompanied by music from the Nutcracker and – this being a real highlightÌý - a beautifully presented nativity scene. There is strong singing from the vocal quarter of Alexandra Turchin, Gavin James Burke, Elise Bowd and Nathan Sloan. Added to that there are the dancers - who can also sing: Aby Kate, Alison Brown, Michelle Lane and Ryan Pidgen.Ìý Younger members of the Cromer Dance Exchange take part as do members of the Broadland Youth Choir who are used far more effectively than last year. Indeed the whole show has a much greater flow than last year.Ìý Stars of the show When it comes to the comedy Tucker is the ultimate secret weapon. The loveable and cheeky comedian has a huge following among the Cromer Seaside Special audiences.
 | | Steve Hewlett provides the conversation! |
His material is on the saucy side and occasionally I wish it wasn't, but it's all delivered with naughty innocence - and the audience loves him to bits. But the star of the show is ventriloquist Steve Hewlett - and that's an art you don't see too often these days. He has three puppets but it gets amazingly clever when he's working two - Pongo the skunk and a squeaking ginger-haired girl called Tina - at once! Essentially, it's a good show all round and even if it is cold outside you leave the theatre with a warm feeling. The Cromer Christmas Seaside Special runs until 30 December, 2006. | 
