Winter may be approaching but for “one night only” the Manor Pavilion Theatre certainly basked in some Californian sunshine when GB Promotions brought The Beach Boyz Tribute Band to Sidmouth recently.

The open stage set the scene for the entertainment to come in Californian surfing style with a colourful display of surfboards, a spread of panoramic back flats showing the sea, golden sands, and palm trees, and with colourful Hawaiian garlands decorating the microphones.

We were treated to a big introduction build up before the Band entered wearing classic stripey shirts of the era, and it was clear from the outset that they had a strong following amongst the audience, all ready with eager anticipation for what was to come.

Lead singer Tommy engaged with everyone from the start and interspersed the musical numbers with interesting facts and humorous anecdotes about the original Beach Boys, charting their success both in the USA and the UK.

The first hour included well known numbers like Don’t Worry Baby, and Then I Kissed Her, and a highlight of this section was when all five musicians gathered around an old-fashioned studio microphone to sing in “a cappella” style.

After the interval, the “boys” returned in snazzy white suits complete with Hawaiian shirts and more old favourites were enthusiastically received, including Surfin USA, Lady Linda and The Sloop John B.

All five were versatile and talented musicians, there were some great harmonies, some very “nifty” footwork, and the energy didn’t drop for a moment. Each band member was given an individual spot in which to shine, Graham with a great instrumental on drums, Andy on Bass Guitar complete with red Stetson for Old Cotton Fields, Cliff on Lead Guitar with another popular solo number, and the ever exuberant Tommy on vocals and additional instruments, all pulled together under the skilled leadership of Musical Director Terry who also played Keyboards and Rhythm Guitar.

There was plenty of audience participation throughout and the whole evening can be summed up simply in the words of the closing Beach Boy’s number “I’m Picking up Good Vibrations”!

They certainly were!