Pretty Woman The Musical Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Dottie Rood
Pretty Woman- The Musical was a real joy to watch. The original film version (based on a screenplay by J.F.Lawton) was originally shown in 1990 and was billed as ‘an American Comedy’, where a wealthy, prominent business man (Richard Gere) hires a Hollywood escort (Julia Roberts) to escort him on several business and social functions, after a slow response it was a huge success (and it is still very popular today) so Pretty Women- The Musical has a lot to live up to.
The story is based in the late 80’s and the two main characters are Vivian Ward (played tonight by Rebekah Ward) and Edward Lewis (played by Oliver Savile) were excellent. Oliver played a very believably businessman and Rebekah a very convincing ‘escort’! Their characters did have some resemblance to the original film, which I felt was enough to remind you of the film (in a positive way) but not so much that you lost their own spin on the story.
They were supported by Ore Oduba, who played ‘Happy man’ and Mr Thompson (plus a few others!) and Natalie Paris, who played Kit De Luca, Vivians best friend fantastically. There were also a number of other characters to support the story etc I have to say they were all really, really good.
Pretty Woman-The Musical started off with a very lively number with Happy Man, Kit De Luca plus Ensemble giving us a taste of what was to come (which you just knew was going to be brilliant!). The set, throughout, was easy to follow, telling us which area they were in, and the set changes didn’t disrupt or distract us from the show. The costumes all supported the storyline, with some having a resemblance to the originals, which was nice to see. We then met Vivian who, through the song Anywhere but Here, set the scene of where she didn’t want to be. Edward ends up in her company (he loses his way’) and eventually he hires her, as an escort, to stay with him for 6 days to escort him to a number of business functions and events. What follows is an entertaining, enthralling story which sees them getting closer and closer. Do they end up together? I won’t spoil the ending but just to let you know I came out with a huge smile on my face and a lovely ‘fuzzy’ feeling!
All the actors, singers and dancers were fantastic, but I have to say my real stand out performer has to be Ore Oduba. He had a beautiful singing voice fantastic dance moves (to be expected re Strictly Come Dancing?) but what stood out most was his ability to take on the role of a number of very different characters. When he is in the role of the hotel manager, along with some of his staff, who are teaching Vivian to dance the audience (and us) were laughing out loud, a real joy to watch. There was lots of humour and references to Strictly which took the performances up a level for me.
Every performer had a strong, compelling and captivating singing voice especially in the opera scene! Outstanding!
I would highly recommend this performance, which is currently on at Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent until Saturday 20th July 2024.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from:£27.50 plus a possible transaction fee of £3.80
Age Guidance is: 12+ Contains some moderate sexual references.
Pretty Woman- The Musical is at Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent from Monday 15th July to Saturday 20th July 2024
For more information or to book tickets please contact: www.atgtickets.com
or contact the box office on: 03330096690
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/pretty-woman-the-musical/regent-theatre/
Photo credit to: Marc Brenner
Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST11AP