Potters Theatre Company’s flagship show has relaunched in Norfolk and Essex, just in time for a sensational summer!
Since its launch in 2022, it’s clear that Simply the Best is a unique production, holding a special place in the hearts of guests and the team.
“The response to Simply has been incredible” Creative Producer, Roxy Yarnold, says. “It’s on stage every break, and a standing ovation is a regular occurrence by the end. The team loves to perform in it. It really showcases their full repertoire of talent from vocals, to dancing, to comedy.”
While it would typically be phased out at this stage of its life, feedback plays a huge part at Potters in terms of the guest experience. And the show continues to be an overwhelming favourite. So instead of replacing it, Simply the Best has become a permanent highlight in the Potters Theatre Company’s calendar.
“It’s now our flagship show, and it will constantly evolve with fresh and exciting content.”
And with its latest iteration launched at both Five Lakes and Hopton-on-Sea in recent days, it has left a marked impression on guests who were there to witness opening night.
“The clue is in the title…”
Guests enjoying a getaway in Essex saw it first on Thursday 18th July. The response was felt both on resort, as well as back in Norfolk as feedback appeared on social channels. As such, there was much anticipation at Hopton-on-Sea where it launched on Sunday 21st, and we were there to experience it.
The Hopton-on-Sea team before the doors of The Atlas Theatre opened on Sunday 21st JulyWith wall-to-wall hits such as Twist & Shout, Good Vibrations and Build Me Up Buttercup, the night kicks off with a packed 60s medley. And there’s an instant feel-good factor throughout.
"It was absolutely brilliant"
- Tracey HickeyAfter a breathless opening, a Jersey Boys section led by legends Sion Hathway at Hopton-on-Sea and Aaron Bolton at Five Lakes is expertly delivered. It’s a superb tip of the cap to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, before laughter rings around for the first time as guests are taken to The Wild West. And it truly is pretty wild!
"What an amazing addition of Frankie Valli. Aaron and the team absolutely nailed it"
- Maureen ScrivenerThe theatre company soon return with a musical medley that includes songs from Les Misérables, Annie Get Your Gun, The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon, before a perfect selection of delightful Disney classics.
There’s plenty of audience participation and funny moments in the retained British Isles section, before the show’s new and fitting finale; a stirring rendition of Lean on Me which has guests on their feet before its last, hair-raising notes have even rung out.
The team received a standing ovation at Five Lakes on opening night"Simply the Best just got better!"
- Mary Draper“The whole idea behind the show was to delve into 40 years of entertainment at Potters. But it’s also to thank our amazing guests for their support over that time, so I love the fact that Simply is not going away,” Roxy says. “It has become a representation of all things great at Potters. The music, the laughter, the memories and, of course, the people. In that respect, it’s way more than just a show.
“And if the response from opening night is anything to go by, guests are going to love it!”
"Last night’s new performance was absolutely incredible. The mix of laughter and wow factor was spot on. Until we meet again, thank you."
- Sharon Ozzie Osborne
A post-show picture for the Five Lakes teamThe takeaway:
Featuring a mix of firm favourites, new medleys and comedy sketches from years gone by, this new edition of Simply the Best clearly picks up where its original left off, and continues to be a hit with guests. It’s the perfect blend of music and comedy, and a production to live long in the memory.
NEW Simply the Best Setlist:
Decades: 60s Medley
Twist And Shout | Walking Back To Happiness | You Were Made For Me | I Only Want To Be With You | I Like It | Hippy, Hippy Shake | Wild Thing | Silence Is Golden | Good Vibrations | Do Wah Diddy Diddy | Be My Baby | What’s New Pussycat? | Build Me Up Buttercup | All You Need Is Love
Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons Medley
Beggin’ | Sherry | Walk Like A Man
Wild West Sketch
Musicals Medley
Anything You Can Do | Anything Goes | Phantom Of The Opera | Bui Doi | Les Misérables Overture | Master Of The House | One Day More
Disney Medley
Disney Overture | Be Our Guest | Love Is An Open Door | Friend Like Me | Heigh-Ho | Zero To Hero | You’ll Be In My Heart | Beauty And The Beast | A Whole New World | When You Wish Upon A Star
Patriotic Section
Riverdance | I Vow To Thee, My Country | Scottish Singalong | Maybe It’s Because I’m A Londoner | Lambeth Walk | Knees Up Mother Brown
Finale
Lean On Me
NEW Simply the Best appears on all 4-night midweek and 3-night weekend breaks at Potters Resorts over the Autumn Season and Festive Breaks, in both The Glade Theatre at Five Lakes, and The Atlas Theatre at Hopton-on-Sea.
