Potters - Norfolk's own little Las Vegas

Life is a cabaret, or so they say, and this certainly seems to be the case at the Potters Leisure Resort where top class entertainment is all part of the all-inclusive price.

Potters is a mini-Vegas hotel, offering a host of household and celebrity names - but without all the gambling temptations.

Gone are the tone-deaf and clownish holiday reps who you usually rely on to provide an evening's entertainment at many resorts. Nor will you find the host of would-be singers and acts usually found on the holiday camp circuit.

This award-winning attraction, which is now in its 90th year, lists such names as Ken Dodd, Jane McDonald, and Joe Pasquale in this year's line-up - and all included in the holiday price.

There is a plethora of X Factor and Britain's Got Talent favourites listed and the site has already hosted appearances by the now hugely successful dance act Diversity and teen heart-throb Ray Quinn.

Potters, which is on the coast near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, specialises in inclusive weekend and mid week breaks. Many of the stars are booked for a weekend although sometimes the big names are in for a one-night special.

Themed breaks are also popular at Potters and again draw leading names in their fields. The Simply Ballroom weekend in spring was led by Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff.

Tribute acts are drafted in for music weekends to bring to life the hits of such favourites as The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Abba at Potters' recently extended Atlas Theatre.

Particular popular events are the Drinks Inclusive Party Weekends, the next being in November - I can't imagine why?

There are exercise weekends, sports coaching breaks and Potters this year hosted arguably "the biggest event in the World Bowls calendar." Leading the football coaching schools over the holidays is the former England and Leeds star Paul Reaney. This colourful character regales both the children and parents with tales from his heyday as well as imparting his soccer skill secrets.

The house host is comedian Mark Brewer who leads the entertainment by day and night as well as meandering around the dining room most meal times getting acquainted with the guests.

And mealtimes are another good reason to head for Potters, which has been awarded five-star holiday village status by Visit England.

There are huge buffet breakfasts, followed by three-course lunches and a host of options in the fantastic evening meals.

For those who still have an appetite or any stamina left after the night's entertainment there is a Midnight Dish, with curries, chilli or many other post partying favourites for revellers.

This year has seen the opening of the Black Rock Grill, an alternative restaurant should guests prefer a night out of the large and busy dining room.

This restaurant, within the grounds, has a panoramic view over the coastline.

And it's not just the nights that are fun packed. During the school holidays there are professional instructors running a host of mini-schools while sporting facilities include tennis and badminton courts, table tennis, and a climbing wall, not to mention the swimming complex. There is even a ten-pin bowling alley on site.

Visitors can also hit the shooting range for archery, air rifles or clay pigeon shooting and there is also a golf range. Rally karts can also be booked.

The less athletic or mums looking for a little indulgence can head for the sauna and steam rooms, beauty studio or even the hairdressers.

There are dance and exercise classes, I tried my hand at Tai Chi, as well as quizzes and games in the various bars.

Visitors can stay, full board, either in the hotel or one of the bungalows. We stayed in a bungalow which meant our energetic two children were near the park and large football field and we also had a lovely sea view. The children got to play while we rested after each large lunch. There are also kids clubs provided.

Any one who stays at Potters must surely be impressed by the warm welcome and familiarity offered. Many families clearly go en masse to the resort, often to celebrate a special occasion which is shared with the whole dining room thanks to Mr Brewer and co.

Staff, of which there is one member to every 1.5 guests, fall over themselves to be helpful. You are allocated your own table and waiter/waitress in the dining room and nothing seems to be too much trouble. Staff make you feel like an invited guest not just a paying customer.

I will certainly be considering a quick return to Potters with my family and with all this entertainment lined up — party on!

Review by Diane Davies.