Pretty Woman The Musical At Royal & Derngate Northampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amanda Dando
Pretty Woman The Musical opened tonight at the Royal & Derngate Northampton. The Royal & Derngate is situated in the town centre, with parking in the surrounding area and bars within the theatre for pre show drinks and snacks. There are plenty of staff on hand to help you find your seats.
The film of the same name is a firm favourite of ours, so I was always going to see the stage version when it came to the UK. My first reaction having seen this in the west end in early 2020, was one of disappointment. This show here and now will blow your socks off, it was everything I wanted Pretty Woman to be, and so very much more. What an incredible cast, the show blew me, and my fellow audience away. There is no doubt about it, it’s one of the very best shows I have seen in so very long.
You will be entertained from the very moment the curtain goes up. Everything is spot on, they tell the story of Vivian and Edward in the style of the film, all the iconic moments are in there, I won’t spoil them for those very few who have never watched the film. The attention to detail for all the costumes was impressive, the bell boys and the concierge especially. Vivian played by Amber Davies, who has a great voice had some amazing outfits and Edward played by Oliver Savile couldn’t have looked more handsome if he tried in his tailored suits. Kit de Luca played by Natalie Paris not only had some funky outfits, but a truly great voice. Opera voice lady… just stunning!
The star of the of the show however is Ore Oduba, who plays happy man/Mr Thompson, his performance was just quite simply amazing. He looked like he was living his very best life up there on stage. His comic timing, facial expressions, singing and dancing, everything, just the full package. He is just mesmerising to watch up on stage, what a presence.
It’s a show that you just can’t stop smiling at, the dance numbers fast paced and brilliantly choreographed, sometimes I didn’t know where to look. The more adult moments brilliantly dealt with and the tender moments tore at your heart. I didn’t want the show to end, I was so caught up in the moment of it all. There has definitely been some humour added to the script and it works very, very well with the cast they have.
Vivian wants the fairy tale, and I guess all of us do, young or old. For one night only, I believed we could have it all. Singing, dancing, humour, passion, this show has it all, a gritty story turned into a love story there is no better stage show to go and see right now. Grab yourselves some tickets and prepare to have the very best night out you will have had in a long time. Exceptional, extraordinary, emotional. I can’t wait to see it again!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £22.00.
https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/pretty-woman/
Pretty Woman is at Royal & Derngate Theatre from 9 to 14 September 2024 for more information or to book tickets visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the Box Office 01604 624811
19-21 Guildhall Road Northampton NN1 1DP