´óÏó´«Ã½

This year's Cromer Christmas Seaside Special is a cracker!

After just three years this seasonal version of the famous end-of-the-pier show may be a mere infant compared to the 30 summers its older brother has been around but it's got all the family traits.

The show isÌý bright, breezy, superbly well done and guaranteed to send you out for the wintry walk back up the prom with a smile on your face.

As ever, the sets were inspired

It's amazing that a show of such very high standards can be put together – and presumably make money – for just a three-week run, but they've never stinted on quality at Cromer, and this year is no exception.

Nativity scene

The real meaning of Christmas is brought into focus when the second-half opens with a film sequence showing Cromer in the snow which leads us into the parish church and the stained glass image of Mary with the baby Jesus.

The screen opens out into a beautifully arranged nativity sequence which envelops the whole auditorium in a magical way.

We also have a Dickensian medley, set against one of designer Ian Westbrook's amazingly detailed backdrops of St Paul's.

Creative direction

The mastermind behind the show is Di Cooke, who's also responsible for the summer season.

She devises, directs and is also responsible for the choreography. She is constantly inventive and gives the Seaside Special such pace that it never flags for a second.

The tap dancing routine inspired by the film Happy Feet – complete with ultra-violet light effects and dancing penguins – is almost worth the admission price alone.

Full marks also go to musical director Nigel Hogg, who may be a solo artist on the keyboard in the pit, yet makes it sound like a full orchestra.

Indeed, he sets the tone for the evening with a great opening version of Sleigh Ride which is always guaranteed to put me in the right mood!

Highly talented cast

The show is blessed with a well balanced and highly talented cast. Topping the bill is Kev Duncan, with just the right blend of cheeky humour which entertains without offending.

Comic Kev Duncan captivated the audience

He is also a polished impersonator as he proves in his final spot in the show with plenty of surprises.

Alongside him is multi-instrumentalist Andy Eastwood - his William Tell overture on the ukulele has to be heard to be believed! He was a big hit with the audience and deserves to return for the summer season.

The singing is, of course, a big strength of the show, with Daniel Koek making his debut at Cromer.

He can tackle any number but is a particularly big hit in the selection from the inevitable Joseph And His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat routine.

He is joined by singers Jennifer Henderson, Natalie Peek and David Richardson -
but it doesn't stop there since members of our own award-winning Broadland Youth Choir also take part, giving the vocals added power.

Cromer's Christmas Seaside Special has quickly become an eagerly-awaited annual fixture and this one is too good to miss.

Cromer's Christmas Seaside Special runs until 29 December, 2007.