MAYFLOWER Theatre's summer youth production of Summer Holiday was launched on a sizzling day in Southampton.

TV and stage star Darren Day, the show's patron, was joined by 24 of the principle cast of the production, based on the iconic 60s Cliff Richard film.

They climbed aboard a vintage double decker bus, much to the amusement of sun worshippers in Guildhall Square.

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This year's summer youth production of the feel-good stage musical will see 113 talented young people taking part in a two-week rehearsal period, followed by three performances on the Mayflower Theatre stage on August 27 and 28.

Darren told the Daily Echo: “I am so privileged to be a patron of Mayflower Theatre’s Summer Holiday this year. I spent over two years playing the role of Don in the show and it holds a very special place in my heart.

"It is amazing that the very talented young people in the show are going to create what will be a very unique production. I wish them all well and cannot wait to see the show."

Darren will also be playing the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago when it comes to Mayflower Theatre in November.

Daily Echo:

Stagecoach kindly provided a fully restored 1964 open top Southdown Queen Mary for the launch.

In its heyday the Southdown Motor Company vehicle would have carried many locals and tourists along the south coast with ice creams in hand whilst enjoying their summer holidays.

Join Don and his fellow London Transport bus mechanics on a mad-cap journey through Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece, picking up a singing group and an American pop star on the run from her domineering mother along the way. All set to the strains of a hit-filled score featuring In the Country, I Could Easily Fall in Love with You, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Living Doll, The Young Ones, On the Beach and of course Summer Holiday.

Tickets are on sale from mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.