Cromer Pavilion Theatre produces an in-house show every winter and summer and it’s the only theatre at the end of a pier that does this at the moment. This was once a major tradition at the seaside in Britain and it used to happen at many resorts all over the country. The Cromer Pier Show is now one of the only remain real live variety shows. While it’s sad that many others didn’t survive, it’s also quite remarkable that the tradition still carries on right here at our doorstep.
This year will be even more special since the show will be marking its 40th anniversary of showcasing live variety acts for families. Some of the acts expected this year will include comedian Phil Butler, comedy juggler James Bustar from Australia and vocalist Emily Yarrow. Phil Butler is a very popular comedian at this theatre and the massively talented and creative performer has already appeared on the show in 1998 and 1999 James Bustar will be coming once again after gracing the show last year. His previous performance was quite popular and audiences will be looking forward to acts such as axe juggling.
This will be the second summer season that Emil Yarrow performs at the show while for the male lead vocalist, Lee Bright, this will be his first time performing at the Pier but he’s no stranger to the area having appeared in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Cromer’s own comedian, Joey Howard, will also be performing his sketches, impressions and musical routines.
For many of the people who’ll be performing, this is not their first performance at the event, which is further proof of the unique atmosphere created by the show. Di Cooke will also be returning as the director and choreographer and he says the show will be giving audiences and all-around variety show experience since it’s now the remaining ‘End-of-the-pier’ variety show. He stated that the show will provide a mix of specialty acts, West End ballads, pop music and humour.
Throughout the country, the show has gained a reputation as an incubator for future talent and there are many top stars who’ve performed at the Pavilion Theatre before. The show is divided into three separate shows over the summer with the first and second having the same cast but with different performances. The last part of the show will feature the audiences’ best moments from the other two shows.