The Summer Show is one of Clacton’s longest-standing entertainment traditions, with a history that stretches back more than 130 years. Since its earliest beginnings in 1894, generations of performers, producers and audiences have helped shape a variety spectacular that remains a cornerstone of the West Cliff Theatre’s programme today.
A Partnership Built on Tradition and Innovation
In 2016, the West Cliff Theatre Trust made the decision to bring production of the Summer Show back in-house and formed a partnership with AJL Theatrical, led by producer Aaron Lissimore.
Since then, the Summer Show has returned each year (with the exception of 2020), continuing to grow in popularity and reputation. Together, the West Cliff Theatre and AJL Theatrical have created productions that celebrate the heritage of traditional seaside variety while embracing contemporary entertainment to appeal to audiences of all ages.
“Our goal has always been to produce a spectacle that recreates memories of the past while reinventing the content to appeal to a broader audience,” says Aaron. “The key ingredients of our productions are personality, skill, participation and novelty. Combined with our trademark glitz, glamour, vibrancy and energy, we hope the shows will continue to entertain audiences for many years to come.”
The History of the West Cliff Summer Show
The story begins in 1894 when Bert Graham arrived in Clacton with his London Concert Company. Performances were initially staged on an open-air platform in Agate Road before Graham, together with Bernard Russell and Will Bentley, leased land in West Cliff Gardens in 1899 — the site that would eventually become the West Cliff Theatre.
As the popularity of the venue grew, a wooden structure with a canvas roof was erected in 1902 to provide shelter for audiences. The freehold of the land was purchased in 1907, securing the venue’s future, and in 1928 the present-day West Cliff Theatre was built.
In 1934, Graham and Bentley retired and the theatre was acquired by Will Hammer, who would later become associated with the famous Hammer film company.
Over the decades, many notable producers have contributed to the Summer Show’s success. Among the most celebrated was Francis Golightly, who produced the annual summer production from 1973 to 2001. During his tenure, he brought an impressive array of variety stars to Clacton, including Don Maclean, Ken Goodwin, Norman Collier, Bernie Clifton, Freddie Davies, Kenny Cantor, Andrew Robley and Ruthie Henshall.
Francis was just one of many individuals who helped shape the Summer Show’s rich legacy. Today, that tradition continues as the West Cliff Theatre and AJL Theatrical build upon more than a century of entertainment history, ensuring that variety remains at the heart of the theatre’s story for future generations.
