THE sun is shining and the temperature is rising ... so what better time to book yourself a Summer Holiday?

Bolton’s Octagon Theatre is only too happy to oblige by offering an uplifting and unforgettable whirl around Europe without leaving Lancashire.

Its hotly-anticipated production, Summer Holiday, begins a 24-date run next Thursday and it promises to be a unique theatrical experience.

For one thing, the musical begins at Bolton’s new interchange where the audience will board one of a fleet of double decker buses with the cast for a singalong.

The journey reflects the plot and the first stop is Victoria Square where the characters help a group of girls whose car has broken down.

From there, it’s on to The Octagon itself where the story continues.

“Rehearsals are going really well. It’s such a laugh. It’s a really fun show to be a part of,” said Michael Peavoy.

He plays Don – the character portrayed by Cliff Richard in the classic British film.

He said: “This morning we were rehearsing in the interchange using the backing tracks and people were stopping and joining in with us. Old dears and young lads were coming up and joining in the songs. They love it! The same thing happened in Victoria Square. It was amazing.

“The audience will be as involved as we are on the bus.”

The enthusiasm for the show seems contagious, so much so that Vision Buses have provided six free buses for each performance, and the bus drivers themselves have volunteered to do the driving.

Paul Overend, Bolton Interchange manager, is equally supportive.

He said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Octagon Theatre to bring a live performance of the classic musical Summer Holiday to Bolton Interchange. It’s set to be a unique, immersive experience for the audience.

“Bolton Interchange is an impressive gateway to Bolton town centre and it’s great to make the most of this amazing space to provide entertainment for all the family.”

Eleanor Brown is the show’s female lead, Barbara, an American pop star who gives her pushy mother the slip and stows away on the bus.

“I’m using a general American accent, not one from a particular state, because I don’t want to offend any Americans,” she laughed.

Like Michael, Eleanor is an Octagon favourite and describes her role in its production of Singin’ in the Rain as her favourite thing she has done.

“It’s a joy to be back in Bolton,” added Eleanor, who is originally from Surrey.

So excited are her family to see the show, that two trips up to Bolton have already been arranged.

“Like the film, the show is set in 1963 but we didn’t want it to feel like a period piece, so we’ve kept it very fresh,” she explained.

Michael agreed. “You’ll look at it and see a 60s aesthetic, but it will feel modern. They will seem like blokes you’d meet if you walked into a garage down the road today.”

The setting for the story has been transported to Bolton and includes plenty of local references, but the general thrust of the story remains the same.

During a miserable wet British summer, Don arrives with a borrowed double-decker bus ready to take his friends on a journey to sunny Athens. They hook-up with a group of girls and embark on a fun-filled escapade across Europe.

The musical features such classic and upbeat songs as The Young Ones, Living Doll, Batchelor Boy and, of course, the title track Summer Holiday.

As well as being the ultimate summer feelgood musical, the show is surprisingly topical, as Michael pointed out.

“In a really basic sense it’s good fun, but you could say there is a political context too. This is a group of lads who are enjoying the luxuries of free movement. They’re going to get on a bus and they’re going to go where they want, whereas the political context now is there will no longer be that freedom of movement.

“The show’s not overtly political in the sense that we’re stood on stage talking about leaving the EU – that’s not what this play’s about, but underneath there is politics.

“That’s the genius of the plays that Elizabeth picks. They are topical and that’s why she’s such an exceptional artistic director. She doesn’t beat you over the heads with politics.”

Speaking to Michael and Eleanor in the Octagon’s bar during a break in rehearsals, it is clear how much they are enjoying being part of the show.

“The nature of this job is that we’ve all got to become pretty close from the outset,” said Michael.

“We’ve got to trust each other from the get-go. And you get that from Elizabeth and Ben, who are co-directing. They create a rehearsal room which is safe and supportive and loving and kind. In every rehearsal we ask what we can do to create an atmosphere so that we can create exceptional work.”

The show, which begins on Thursday, May 31, is not only about providing enjoyment and entertainment for the Bolton public, it also benefits the town itself.

“Theatre is vital,” said Michael, who has learned to play the accordion for his role. “Apparently, for every £1 that Bolton Council invests in the theatre, the local economy gains £32!”

But providing pleasure is paramount, as Eleanor explained.

“We want people to leave the show feeling joyous and excited and to be reminiscing about their own summer holidays. For me it’s about giving them a hopeful joyous night.”