LYCEUM, SHEFFIELD – until 28th September 2024
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
4****
Pretty Woman The Musical is based on the 1990 film starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. It tells the story of Vivian Ward, a prostitute, and businessman Edward Lewis who have a chance encounter leading to Edward inviting Vivian to escort him to a number of events during his business stay in Los Angeles. Through spending time with each other their “business” relationship develops, and they fall in love with each other.
The show is a good adaptation of the film showing many of the movie’s iconic moments and lines such as when Vivan goes shopping on Rodeo Drive and the store wouldn’t wait on her the day before “Big mistake. Big. Huge! I have to go shopping now”. You do however, have to remember that although this is based on the film it is actually a musical version of the film and I think you need to separate the two to really enjoy the full experience of the musical.
The stage set of this musical has simple backdrop changes which transport you from Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. There was clever staging and lighting when recreating the intimate moments of the film.
Vivian played by Amber Davies and Edward Lewis played by Oliver Savile had a good connection and chemistry. When they sang together their harmonies were really good. These two actors were perfect for the roles.
Mr Thompson played by Ore Oduba led the dancing on the “Don’t Forget to Dance” song taking the opportunity to make reference to him winning the 14th Season of the TV show Strictly Come Dancing. “I used to be a professional dancer and believe it or not I have been known to win”, and then ending the number with the judges scoring of 10 across the board.
Natalie Paris – Kit De Luca gave a strong performance and suited the role.
Lila Falce-Bass and Josh Damer Jennings both had amazing opera vocals when singing “A Night At The Opera”.
There were many funny moments from Noah Harrison who plays Giulio the Bell Boy.
The start of the second act gave you a brief tease that you were going to hear the song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison. The classic song was left until the end where the audience were invited to sing along.