When it comes to the Potters Theatre Company, change is part of the process. Each year brings new shows, new ideas, and fresh inspiration designed to surprise and delight audiences. But as Creative Producer Roxy Yarnold explains, some shows become bigger than the sum of their parts.
“Since its launch in 2022, Simply the Best has been more than a production—it’s become a flagship for what Potters entertainment is all about,” Roxy says. “It blends our history with new ideas, it’s loved by our cast and by our guests, and it’s evolved in ways none of us could have imagined.”
Simply the Best features on every Fully Inclusive Break at Potters ResortsLaunched in September at both Five Lakes and Hopton-on-Sea, Simply—now in its third iteration—is just another new highlight of your Fully Inclusive Break. And if the feedback from guests over the autumn season is anything to go by, this unforgettable night of laughter, nostalgia, and spectacular performances might just be the best one yet.
"The entertainment was top class. We loved the changes to Simply the Best."
This autumn’s version carries added poignancy as it’s the last chance to see many of the current Potters Theatre Company cast before they move on in November.
“There’s been an added energy and especially passionate performances with this new version of Simply, because the whole cast knows how special this run is,” Roxy explains. “Guests are seeing something truly heartfelt as well as spectacular.”
Singin’ in the Rain—just one of the new classics featured in the latest Simply the Best productionFresh Highlights
The show continues to open with a Beatles-inspired nod to the 1960s, before rolling into a string of upbeat favourites such as Twist & Shout, Good Vibrations, and Build Me Up Buttercup.
Memorable vocal tributes also remain, with Potters favourites Aaron Bolton at Five Lakes and Sion Hathway at Hopton-on-Sea leading the ever-popular Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons section at both resorts. Beggin’, Sherry, and Walk Like A Man, continue to draw a huge response from every audience.
The musical theatre tributes take a fresh new direction in version 3.0. The evergreen favourites of Phantom of the Opera, Anything You Can Do, and Anything Goes remain. But this section now features stunning new sets, heart-rendering versions of Somewhere and Singin’ in the Rain, while On Broadway, Oom-Pah-Pah, and It’s a Fine Life provide uplifting numbers—and spectacular responses from audiences.
Fresh new comedy will have you grinning from ear to earAs you’ve come to expect from Simply, the musical sections are intertwined with fresh new sketches from your hilarious compéres, as they turn back the clock to bring you the memorable and highly requested ‘Basic Training’ sketch in tribute to this year’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
A Regal Tribute to Queen
One of the standout moments in this year’s version is a brand-new section dedicated to the legendary music of Queen. Few bands have left such an enduring mark on British culture, and the Potters Theatre Company have gone all out to create a heartfelt, high-energy tribute that captures the spirit, showmanship, and sheer joy of Freddie Mercury and his bandmates.
Opening with the unmistakable bassline of Another One Bites the Dust, the sequence sets an electric tone before breaking into anthems that showcase both the vocal and comedic talents of the cast. A playful take on I Want to Break Free leads into the tongue-in-cheek fun of Flash (A-ah!), where comedy and music collide in classic Potters fashion.
From there, the momentum builds with the driving rhythm of Fat Bottomed Girls, before launching into the ultimate feel-good classic Don’t Stop Me Now. The finale of the section, We Are the Champions, creates a rousing, emotional climax, uniting performers and audience in a powerful moment of togetherness.
Another One Bites the Dust—you know the words!“It’s not just a medley—it’s a celebration,” says Roxy Yarnold. “Queen’s music is about energy, passion, and inclusivity, and that’s exactly what we wanted this section to embody. The cast have thrown themselves into it, and you can feel the joy radiating from the stage.”
Guests have already described the Queen tribute as a highlight of the show, and it’s a fitting addition to Simply—a tribute to a band who, much like Potters’ entertainment, know how to bring people together through music, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
"Simply the Best — it’s self-explantory!"
Shaped by You
Like its predecessors, Simply the Best continues to evolve based on guest feedback and suggestions.
“When we ask guests for their ideas, the response is always quickly forthcoming,” Roxy says. “With Spotlight replaced by The Cabaret Club earlier this year, this latest version of Simply gives greater focus on the endless list of musical theatre classics. And the music of Queen is always pure theatre too, as well as being highly requested.”
The stars behind the scenes—our amazing Tech CrewGuests Say It Best
Feedback from opening nights has been glowing. We were there on opening night at Five Lakes, as guests gave Simply 3.0 a standing ovation. One said: “I’ve seen every version of Simply the Best and somehow it just keeps getting better. The Queen section gave me goosebumps!”
Roxy continues: “I’ve always felt Simply should be the perfect blend of music, comedy, and emotion. It’s a celebration of everything Potters stands for—laughter, talent, and a shared history full of memories.”
So, whether you’re returning for your third round of Simply or seeing it for the very first time, you can expect an unforgettable night that proves, once again, why this show is very much here to stay.
Catch the latest Simply the Best on all breaks this autumn and festive season at both Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes (excluding our 1-Night Christmas Break on Monday 22nd December 2025).
