Reviewed by Emily Crombie
Cilla the Musical closely tracks the life of Priscilla Maria Veronica White, better known as Cilla Black, from typist to superstar and household name.
Set in the early 1960’s, it follows Cilla from her Liverpudlian roots as she meets manager Brian Epstein though The Beatles. With the support of Bobby Willis, who becomes her manager after Epstein’s passing and she eventually marries, Cilla hits the big time with many chart successes before delving into television.
It is a show full of big powerful musical numbers. Kara Lily Hayworth hits all the notes as Cilla, both musically and in capturing and personality. Cilla Black had such a talent at relating to people, I think we all feel we know her personally in some way and Hayworth manages to replicate Cilla’s sincere warmth on stage.
As well as Cilla’s big hits, Anyone who had a Heart, You’re my World, You’ve got that Loving Feeling, there are a selection of Beatles number including a favourite, Twist and Shout and songs from other Liverpool groups from that era, Big Three and Gerry & The Pacemakers.
Smooth set changes and the stage lighting transforms the stage between the various venues from The Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios to The Ed Sullivan Show and the London Palladium.
Cilla the Musical is based on the 2014 ITV 3-part series written by Jeff Pope. It is directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson with Cilla’s son Robert Willis as Executive Producer.
Edinburgh Playhouse is a beautiful theatre set over three levels. We sat in row M of the stalls where the view was excellent. Situated on Greenside Place at the east end of Princes Street, it is very accessible by bus, train and tram. There is a multi-storey carpark nearby as well.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £59.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Cilla The Musical is at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 19-23 September 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh or call the box office on 0844 871 3014.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 18–22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA | 0844 871 3014
