Pretty Woman: The Musical At Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joy Wright
Pretty Woman: The Musical, is shaking things up at Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield this week and brings the 1990 iconic film to the stage with all the expected charm and humour which drew such appreciation to the original.
Pretty Woman is very much a Cinderella storyline, though a more bleak version despite the humour and bad-situation-comes-good. Vivian Ward is a spirited sex worker on Hollywood Boulevard and it’s a hard life. Edward Lewis is a suave, suited and practical business man, accustomed to transactions and convenience and their arrangement suits the corporate mask he’s wearing to progress his career.
For her it’s a large chunk of cash. For him it’s a problem solved.
Unexpectedly their differences evolve as a connection as the events unfold. Vivian transforms before us, much as the fairytale dictates and there are still fancy shoes and dresses involved as well as the handsome and unattainable man attracted to the ‘common’ woman. It might even be said that Ore Orduba in the role of hotelier Mr Thompson is the new fairy godmother as he produces gowns and hairstylists to aid the struggling Vivian.
The show is a musical and clearly derived from the film with many of the classic lines used in the show. I wonder what the show might have been like as a big show but without the show tunes, the story is strong enough to carry is, clearly. But, this production has award winners Bryan Adams and long time collaborator Jim Vallance as the experience behind the music and lyrics and I think you can hear it. The soft rock ballad style is apparent, although I’ve never before heard the operatic strains of La Traviata mixed with a soft rock ballad but it worked, surprisingly.
I was delighted to see a dynamic set which managed to capture the essence of both ritzy Beverly Hills and well worn streets of Hollywood Boulevard. The set transitions smoothly from Edward’s opulent penthouse and never compromises on the location, a relief to see in a larger production.
It’s easy to appreciate the costumes, especially Vivian’s outfits, which range from her initial and highly recognisable streetwear to the famous red opera gown that symbolises her transformation.
The storyline is extremely close to the original with music and dance interspersed along with a number of comedy moments, many associated with Ore Oduba but also with Noah Harrison in the role of Giulio, a bellboy at the hotel. His comedy is amusing and really well done and it adds a layer into the show which is easy to adapt to.
Amber Davies in the role of Vivian brings the right sort of vulnerability and sass and it seems modelled on Julia Roberts interpretation of the role, but I don’t see that as a detriment. She does it well. The first part of the show is a little more aloof, perhaps more difficult to interpret the growing affection, but it changes and we can see the growth.
Oliver Savile also has a challenge to embody Edward Lewis in a way which we can be charmed by instead of reviled. He doesn’t quite bring the warmth Richard Gere did in the first half, but in the second half he is warmer and more charming and we can see more of the character which wins over Vivian and the audience plus he brings excellent vocal capability as he sings about his surprise at the turn of the events.
This is a production that appeals most to fans of the film or those looking for a light, feel-good night at the theatre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to.
A few extra tickets have been released in the stalls which is a boon at this late stage so snap them up whilst you can, it’s a busy production. It’s probably not great for younger audience members due to Vivian being in underwear and implied sex, although it’s subtly handled. It’s more of an adult night out.
Tickets available this week until 28th September at https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/pretty-woman-musical or at the box office on 0114 249 6000 priced from £15.00 – £60.50.
Rating: 5/5