Based on the cult 1990 film of the same title, Pretty Woman The Musical has now landed at London's Savoy Theatre where it's delighting audiences.
The musical which briefly opened at the Piccadilly Theatre before the pandemic rightly deserves its transfer and long run in the West End.
The show is based on the film which in itself is based on the Roy Orbison song and tells a fairly simple tale of two humans who meet and connect and how their relationship changes both their circumstances and choices.
 |
| Danny Mac and Aimie Atkinson. Photo by Helen Maybanks. |
We meet down-on-her-luck Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward who meets businessman Edward Lewis. After an initial evening together Edward hires Vivian for the week to attend several business functions, over the course of the week we see the relationship blossom and both change the course of each other's futures.
Aimie Atkinson is stupendous as Vivian, she brilliantly captures the confidence of a girl who is just trying to make enough money to cover her rent but also gives her a real heart that makes you instantly warm to her. Atkinson radiates joy throughout her performance.
Atkinson is brilliantly coupled with an outstanding Danny Mac. He oozes charm and likeability and a delightful vocal tone. The chemistry between Mac and Atkinson is electric from the get-go and the payoff is a scene in act two that has the audience cheering and whistling as the pair embrace.
Arguably the star of the show isn't either of the two leading performances but the performance of Bob Harms who plays a multitude of characters. In almost every scene Bob is a central character in a different guise. He manages to make each one individual with real skill. He nails the humour and never misses a beat throughout. It's a dazzling performance.
 |
| Rachael Wooding and Bob Harms. Photo by Helen Maybanks. |
Rachael Wooding also offers further outstanding support as Vivian's prostitute friend Kit De Luca. Neil McDermott well portrays Edward's fellow businessman Philip Stuckey, especially in the later scenes of the production.
Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell has created a really vibrant and uplifting production, I got the same feel as I got from watching another Mitchell helmed production which ran at The Savoy Theatre, Legally Blonde. It's bright and colourful with lighting designed by Kenneth Posner and Philip S Rosenberg. The set is lavish with scenic design by David Rockwell and beautiful costumes designed by Tom Rogers.
Music and lyrics for the stage adaptation are provided by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance with musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. It's a toe-tapping score filled with great numbers, it ranges from slower ballads to full company dance numbers. The opening 'Welcome To Hollywood' sets the scene and that score doesn't disappoint throughout with my personal favourite numbers 'You and I' and 'Together Forever'. The Roy Orbison classic song is teased at the start of Act Two but does get a rendition with a singalong at the curtain call.
This is a show that clearly attracts fans of the movie but for people like me who hadn't seen the film, it delivers 2 hours of wonderful escapism with a simple love story between two fantastically fleshed out and likable characters with a cracking score. Grab a ticket and take a trip to Hollywood. It's a 'Long Way Home' as you'll consider returning as soon as you leave!
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ an uplifting musical delight.
Pretty Woman continues at London's Savoy Theatre with booking currently until April 2022. Tickets from https://london.prettywomanthemusical.com/
 |
| Aimie Atkinson (centre) and the cast of Pretty Woman. Photo by Helen Maybanks. |
Post a Comment