Reviewed by Sophie Rowley

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chester has been transported to the swinging sixties, an era synonymous with peace, love, flower power and unforgettable music. Let the Sun Shine, written by Helen Radcliffe and directed by Rob Green and Lucy Thatcher, is an uplifting celebration that proves it is never too late to follow your dreams, embrace new beginnings and believe in yourself. 

Set in 1969 when the sixties were in full flow, a quiet, small, suburban town is disrupted by a cascade of festival lovers. At the heart of the whirlwind is Harry (Lucas Button), a local dreamer whose love of music inspires him to chase something bigger than suburban life. Fate intervenes when he meets Cloud (Annabelle Aquino) who brings the light back into his life, Puck (Abigail Middleton), the self-proclaimed “seller of dreams”, alongside Joan (Kate Milner Evans), who is embarking on her own journey of self-discovery, and carefree festival-goers Sunny (Perry Moore) and Claire (Sorrel Jordan). There is also David Ahmed as Arthur, Rebecca Bainbridge as Veronica, Lawrence Hodgson Mullings as Bobby, , Zoe Lambert as Viper and Robert Wade as PC Hamer.

The chemistry between every member of the cast is clear, they not only portray multiple characters, but also play instruments and engage directly with the audience, sometimes quite literally by bringing them onto the stage making the show a fully immersive and wholly enjoyable experience. There can be no better venue than the Grosvenor Open Air Theatre to host this production, Performed in the round beneath the open sky, the production feels completely at home in Grosvenor Park. The outdoor setting becomes an extension of the festival itself, creating a visually effervescent experience that couldn’t be replicated indoors. Chester really has entered its festival era.

 Writer Helen Radcliffe wanted “to create something that made the audience feel part of something special, a shared celebration of music, hope, laughter and togetherness”, in this she entirely succeeds as this is exactly what the show is. It doesn’t just make you smile, but through Green and Thatchers direction, it fully drenches you with warmth, hope and happiness, “humming” the “well known songs..all the way home”. 

Many audience members will recognise this talented ensemble from previous Grosvenor Park productions, and their easy chemistry and versatility create an immediate sense of confidence and warmth. That familiarity also contributes to the production’s success.

The versatility of the company is remarkable. Whether it’s Lucas Button’s warmth and charisma, Annabelle Aquino’s soaring vocals or David Ahmed’s and Perry Moore’s impeccable comic timing, every performer makes an invaluable contribution and are all well deserving of the accolades they receive.

The soundtrack demonstrates this further, the recognisable songs invite the audience to engage further and for some lucky members, the chance to demonstrate their moves on the dance floor. In addition, the creative team including Charlotte Murphy’s design, Ieuan Reeve’s lighting, Dan Langton’s sound are further triumphs. Shelby Hamer’s vibrant costumes perfectly embrace the spirit of dopamine dressing, while every corner of the compact stage has been transformed into a miniature festival bursting with colour and life. As daylight gradually fades, the production somehow seems to shine even brighter beneath the evening sky.

 The standing ovation that accompanied the bows was immediate and richly deserved. Moments like these are what make live theatre so special. Perfection is never the goal; it is how a production makes you feel that truly matters. Helen Radcliffe’s creation clearly resonated with this audience, and their reaction was the clearest testament to its success.

As Helen Radcliffe describes it, Let the Sun Shine is “a tribute to the people brave enough to dream.” It is exactly that: a joyous celebration of hope, community and the courage to embrace who you truly are. So throw away your inhibitions, start your own revolution and let this wonderfully uplifting production fill your world with music, colour and love.

Let The Sun Shine is on at Grosvenor Park Theatre until Sunday 23rd August tickets are available here.