LYCEUM, SHEFFIELD – UNTIL 20 JANUARY 2024
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
5****
I Should Be So Lucky is the musical featuring Stock Aitken Waterman songs. It tells the story about a couple and their love for each other. On their Wedding Day Ella is left jilted at the alter by her finance Nathan. Ella and her friends and family decide to go on the couple’s honeymoon to Paradise Love Island, Turkey. Meanwhile Nathan has a change of heart and together with his friend Ash go to Turkey for Nathan to try to win back Ella.
There are over 20 of the 80’s smash hit songs featured in this musical, all of which are flowed into from the dialogue. Many of the songs are cut short and mere snippets but still gave you the blast from the past. When the songs that were the fuller version were sang these were outstanding. The best vocal performance for me was from Kayla Carter who played Bonnie when she sang “You’ll Never Stop Me From Loving You”, closely followed by Gary Davis (Big Mike) and Melissa Jacques (Shelley) when they did their duet.
Ella is played by Lucy-Mae Sumner whose dancing is amazing, she seems to glade effortlessly from move to move.
Nathan (Billy Roberts) and his best man Ash (Giovanni Spano) were a good duo combination.
The dancing by everyone in the night club scene was brilliant, you could easily imagine yourself years ago bopping out the moves.
The musical is full of laughter. Scott Paige playing Michael added much comedy to this hilarious musical which is full of 80’s cheese.
Ella’s grandma showcases that there is plenty of life left in the older generation and this is portrayed brilliantly by Jemma Churchill.
The scenery with the love heart shaped theme was simple but very effective, the hot air balloon basket and jet skis were a couple of my favourite props.
There were party poppers, streamers and beach balls all coming out to the audience giving it that extra bit of 80’s vibe.
The Pop Queen herself, Kylie, featured by video appearing on stage via a mirror.
When you left the theatre, you could feel and hear the buzz from everyone. Brilliant, funny and definitely one to go and watch.