Where else could you be swept down the yellow brick road; watch dancers do-si-do-ing to Beyoncé; marvel at mysterious magical illusions; and split your sides at a cracking Elvis impression (with a twist). Yes, it’s the Cromer Pier Show 2025. This summer’s production – at the Pavilion Theatre on the seaside town’s historic Grade II-listed pier – is a ball of energy. Directed by Rob McVeigh and choreographed by Amy Grimshaw, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour delight, from the opening tropical fiesta number (the glittery Hawaiian shirts are ace) to the equally rousing glam rock medley at the end. 

Ben Nickless returns to host. It’s little wonder he got to the grand final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. With 25 years of showbiz under his belt, he has impeccable comic timing and can belt out a tune. The talented musical director Nigel Hogg is also back and despite this being his 21st year, shows no sign of flagging. Each and every number was varied and original. One minute we were jigging along to David Bowie, the next Bon Jovi, the next Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell – and I loved the Wicked / Wizard of Oz mash-up. A special mention for lead vocalist Kristel Herrera, whose singing gave me goosebumps, not least when she slayed Prince’s Purple Rain alongside Joshua Mumby. 

Ben Nickless

I also loved the dancing – the six dancers were a lesson in verve and enthusiasm, their synchronicity on point. There was plenty of magic too, with ‘The Real Magic Mike’ aka Mike Stuart performing a series of how-on-earth-does-he-do-that tricks accompanied by dramatic tunes, seductive lighting and plenty of dry ice. The guest performers rotate. When I visited we had comedian-magician Paul Zenon, a pioneer of UK street magic, who interacted with his audience brilliantly. 

The production was well-paced and the humour throughout was laugh-out-loud, mostly on the right side of risqué (with one or two jokes towards the end, which I personally felt crossed the line into unnecessary). Add to the mix spangly costumes, immersive light design, an eight-metre video wall, pyrotechnics and audience participation, and it was impossible not to get into the spirit of things. Indeed, everyone seemed so happy, from the front of house to the performers, the latter perhaps because North Norfolk District Council spent the first three months of this year refurbishing backstage. It is wonderful to see the world’s only full season ‘End of the Pier Show’ thriving. In my opinion, it’s one of the best productions yet (and I’ve been to a few). Go see it. You’ll come out smiling, I promise.

The Cromer Pier Show 2025 runs until 20 September. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.cromerpier.co.uk