Hull New Theatre – until 10th February 2024
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Jas Theatricals/Josh Andrews Productions, Hunter Arnold, Caiola Productions & Co, John Gore Organization, Edward Walson, Deroy Kierstead presents Pretty Woman the Musical.
Based on the book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance this production was a joy to watch, all the cast were so good and it made for a very enjoyable evening of theatre. Set in the 1980’s the fashion is garish, colourful and the costumes (designed by Tom Rogers) were very much how I remembered it!
If you’ve seen the film of the same name, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, this show followed the plot. Vivian Ward (Sydnie Hocknell) and her friend and housemate Kit de Luca (Natalie Paris) are hookers on Hollywood Boulevard in LA where Vivian meets rich businessman Edward Lewis (Ben Darcy) who wants directions to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. She charges him for the directions and what starts as a onetime business deal turns into a six day stay together at one of LA’s exclusive and very expensive hotels. A lady of the night is not welcome in this type of establishment but Vivian is taken under the wing of the hotel manager Mr Thompson (Curtis Patrick, who also played Happy Man) who helps her negotiate how to behave and dress during her time with Edward. Edward is a business man whose job is to break up companies that are in trouble and make as much cash as he can, along with his lawyer Philip Stuckey (Stuart MacIver) they plot to take over a another failing company. The story then takes us on a rocky but romantic journey and we find out does true love finally win out?
There were some outstanding performances in the show last night, Curtis Patrick as the Happy Man and Hotel Manager was a joy to watch, such a talented triple threat. Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca was a brilliant singer…what a voice! Noah Harrison who played the bellboy Giulio was so good, his timing, facial expressions and stage presence was outstanding.
The toe tapping songs, played magnificently by the Orchestra under Musical Director Griff Johnson, were very memorable. The sets (designed by David Rockwell) were very clever, taking us from Hollywood Boulevard to the Hotel to a polo match, they were simple but very effective.
This production is definitely worth the five stars I have given it. A stunning night was had watching this very talented cast!