To many the ultimate rom-com, Pretty Woman: The Musical has arrived in Glasgow, with Ore Oduba, Oliver Savile, Natalie Paris, Noah Harrison and Amber Davies in a high-calibre line-up.
Following the classic romantic comedy story, the show is set in late ‘80s Hollywood where Vivian meets Edward and their lives are changed forever, and this dazzling production is set to sweep audiences off their feet with fantastic performances, choreography, set designs and of course songs!
The 1990 motion picture made a true star out of Julia Roberts, who played Vivian, a Hollywood prostitute who wants out of her life on the streets. Vivian meets starchy unmarried billionaire businessman Edward Lewis and slowly turns his cold heart to love in time for the final curtain, not straying far from the original cinematic version, offering a comforting familiarity to the fans. This musical production fizzles with energy, Hollywood glitz and romance. The production runs about two and a half hours and most of that time is devoted to musical and dance numbers – perfect for musical theatre fans.
The casting of the show is truly magical with powerful acting, singing and dancing performances from the whole cast. Amber Davies – known from shows such as Amber & Dolly: 9 to 5, Almost Never and Love Island – as Vivian captures a similar kind of magic to Roberts. Oliver Savile as Edward does a great job of creating the right blend of arrogance and likeability. His vocals and on-stage presence make for a very good performance. The original SIX: the Musical queen Natalie Paris as Kit de Luca is a true joy with her strong voice and pitch-perfect vocals. Noah Harrison as Giulio is the one who truly steals every single scene he is in; a terrific comedic performance from this actor.
The musical adaptation was composed by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, from a book by Garry Marshall and the film’s screenwriter J F Lawton. Directed and choreographed by the two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, Pretty Woman: The Musical’s songs offer a perfect mix of fun, energy, reflection and romanticism. The placing of the hit song of the same title just as the curtain falls is a genius move as the audience instantly starts singing and dancing, ending the show on a high. David Rockwell has brought Hollywood into the theatre in style with his fantastic scenery design, particularly the neon lights which really stand out on the stage and have you feeling the LA sunshine.
Considering the fully-packed theatre and the excited audience and fans, it’s clear to see that there is a considerable appetite for more of Pretty Woman. This smash-hit musical is currently on its UK and Ireland tour, make sure you don’t miss it as there is no denying that Pretty Woman: The Musical makes for a perfect and entertaining night out.
With thanks to Joanna Zuchowska for this review.
