The Cromer Pier Show, is the only full season end of pier show in the world. We visited on a very wet and windy Sunday afternoon to see The Cromer Pier Christmas show.
Take Your Seats
We sat very comfortably in the 500 seat pavilion theatre, the kids especially so with their booster cushions. Mulled wine and mince pie in hand we were ready for two hours of Christmas entertainment. I’ve performed on stage here before and it’s an Intimate venue which is part of the charm. Olly Day opens proceedings with an introduction of the hard working enthusiastic cast.
Variety is the spice
The variety show is a great mix of traditional and contemporary. I really enjoyed the dance acts, they were modern and well choreographed. The costumes were in-keeping with the theme and they made great use of the stage space. The intimate nature of the theatre means you really get to appreciate the artistry of the cast. The Elf and safety act had us rolling about with laughter. The two comedic Comperes Olly and Jo Little are transformed into tiny elves with even smaller appendages, the sheer silliness of it and slapstick gags are great for all ages.
The Cast
Rob McVeigh is not just a super vocalist but also the shows director and returns after an incredibly memorable summer season. Rob partners with Norfolk’s very own Street Soprano (as she’s known in busking circuits) singing sensation Hayley Moss who has performed at the London Palladium and for Norwich City Football club. Olly is a proper old school comic and master of all trades. He’s got great banter and reminds me of an uncle at Christmas who keeps knocking out the one liners and winding up the relatives, much to everyone’s chuckles. Some of my fave moments are when there was a slight slip up or audience reaction Olly could exploit, he’s a natural.
Its a Kinda Magic
Because of Covid the audience participation is limited but watch out for the extendable foam hand. Poor Shirley was the unsuspecting audience member to take the brunt of it! There were laughs all round but also some pretty clever magic. I was hoping to see more of Taylor Morgans quick change act from the opening of the show. The boy enjoyed the magic rings and the ball illusions, older more sceptical audience members like myself might not be fooled but thats half the fun isn’t it, seeing if you can work out how its done. I must say I enjoyed the staging and the drama, it was very atmospheric.
Special effects
An unexpected triumph was the LED screen that backdrops the production and the set, it really added a high quality touch to the production value of the showcase. The polar express and Rob McVeighs solo were particularly well done! Its brought The Cromer pier Christmas show into the 21st century and i’m here for it. I must also mention the fantastic costumes and Jo’s impressive shoe collection!
How to Book
The Christmas Cromer Pier show is wonderful family entertainment and set in the most beautiful and nostalgic surroundings. It’s a live show anything can happen and the laughs keep rolling intended or not 😜
Tickets are still available until the 30th of December book here or for more information head to The Cromer Pier Home Page.
Happy Christmas to all the Fantastic Cromer Pier Team we had a wonderful time.
*Disclaimer , Tickets were gifted in exchange for this review but as always my words are my own.