I Should Be So Lucky, The Musical – Milton Keynes Theatre – Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Julie Hayward

I went along to see Stock Aitkin Waterman’s new musical, I Should Be So Lucky, thinking ‘this is going to be a bit of fun.’ And oh, my goodness I was not disappointed.

The characters were easily believable with a mutual ‘seize the day’ attitude. You are quickly swept along in their world, to make the most of the circumstances, as they unfold. In the words of Team Bride’s Michael, played brilliantly by Scott Paige, ‘The wedding is off, but the honeymoon is on’.

Our leading lady Ella, played by Lucie-Mae Sumner, is consoled by her nearest and dearest, friends and family who are determined that she is not left to cope alone. So, a whirlwind adventure begins, they are all off to a honeymooner’s paradise in the sun.

Accompanied with the soundtrack of my youth, these songs are too good to be left in the past, all are guaranteed to get any party started. We are treated to at least 10 number one hits by artists including, Rick Astley, Bananarama, Jason Donovan and the pop princess Kylie Minogue. Kylie also has an acting role, as herself, she appears by the magic of technology, as a figment of Ella’s imagination. Kylie pops up throughout the show, to encourage and inspire Ella, to find her inner Diva.

The musical has been bought to life by the directing talents of Debbie Isitt who gave us Nativity! The Musical, and Strictly Come Dancing’s creative director Jason Gilkison. And wow have they put on a show, the dancing and choreography is incredible, but the story telling is not lost amongst the pazazz of the dance routines.

The plot itself is a little thin and quite predictable, but the audience doesn’t seem to mind, I had a big grin on my face throughout. I liked all the characters, they are warm and funny, there is a lot of comedy and fun references to the local area.

The set has been designed beautifully, by Tom Rogers, with so much attention to detail. Think Valentines Day on steroids. He really has created a whimsical world of escapism. I was happy to be transported to the white sandy beach, with the waves gently lapping at the shore.

This is a showcase for the back catalogue of Stock Aitkin Watermans’ massive hits, but the actors do act, and sing, and dance. Which makes for an amazing night of entertainment.

The night is bought to a close with everyone getting their ‘happy ever after’ and, probably what the audience has been itching to do all evening, with banger after banger, we have been toe tapping and humming along in our seats, now was the time to get up, dance and sing along, to join in with all the fun that they were having on stage.

I loved this new musical and I am sure if you enjoy this genre of music then you will too.

Rating: 5/5

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/i-should-be-so-lucky/milton-keynes-theatre/
Tickets cost from £13 plus transaction fee of £3.80
I should be so lucky is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 5th March to Saturday 9th March 2024
For more information or to book tickets visit www.agttickets.com/MiltonKeynes or call the box office on 0844 871 7615
Milton Keynes Theatre, Malborough Gate, Milton Keynes, South East, MK9 3NZ