Stunning show is a seaside must-see

Richard Batson takes his seat for the world-famous Cromer Pier Show

Summer showtime has burst onto Cromer Pier in an explosion of song, dance, colour and comedy.

This year’s holiday season special opens powerfully with pulsing Latin beats and closes with a clap-along rock medley.
Sandwiched in between is a rich filling of saucy seaside humour, mystifying magic, high energy dance and some stunning singing in routines ranging from a country hoedown to the Blues Brothers.

Recent years have seen the traditional seaside variety mix given extra polish with West End production values including video backdrops, stunning lighting and colourful costumes that result in a kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes.

All credit to show devisers Rob McVeigh and Amy Grimshaw for raising the bar every year, just as audiences wonder “how can this get any better?”

But the success of this fabulous family show is the strength and depth of the cast delivering a blend of fun and spectacle with something for everyone of all tastes and ages.

Lynchpin lead comic and compere Ben Nickless shows his Britain’s Got Talent finalist credentials with gags and impressions that have the audience howling. He is becoming a firm favourite having also hosted in 2022 and guested in the summers either side.

Husband and wife singers Kristel Herrera and Joshua Mumby are also returnees and provide powerful vocals across a range of genres. Kristel, who has a Mariah Carey-esque range,  provides one of the highlights with her rendition of Fields of Gold against a backdrop of sand art – sparking memories of late great former show host Phil Butler who used to create them live.

Magician Mike Stuart makes things appear and disappear, and slices up a boxed woman with panache and great stage effects.

A rota of guest performers mixing comedy with magic, juggling and ventriloquism kicks off with Paul Zenon, who combines a dry sense of humour with tricks including gravity defying beer…

But the vital backbone of the show is the six-strong set of singers and dancers making up the Ensemble, whose Duracell-powered energy, movement and smiles provide much of the spectacle. For added local interest they include Josh Peberday from Sheringham, and Cecily Faye Kelf from Gorleston.

Mentions in dispatches, too, for the unsung team of production heroes including musical director Nigel Hogg, technical manager Phil Broughton, video wall producer Nigel Pattle, scenic designer Ian Westbrook, lighting designer Amanda Hill and costume designer Tsubidu.

Cromer’s summer show is unique – the only full-season pier variety show left in the world. We are lucky and privileged to have it on our doorstep, and it should be a must for everyone’s summer diary – but don’t forget the Factor 50 because of the fun it radiates from start to finish.

The show runs until September 20. Tickets start at £25, with discounts available for children, families, carers and groups of 10 or more. Visit www.cromerpier.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01263 512495.

PHOTOS: William Jarvis Photography