Pretty Woman The Musical - Northampton Review

Reviewed by Mark Johnson at Royal and Derngate in Northampton
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

The hit 1990 rom-com movie Pretty Woman is a beloved hit on screen and the stage adaptation proves this story can delight audiences both familiar with the film and without as the first ever UK and Ireland tour plays in Northampton. 

Amber Davies (Vivian Ward) and Oliver Savile (Edward Lewis). Photo by Marc Brenner.

The stage adaptation features a creative team boasting director Jerry Mitchell and a soundtrack by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. It’s not a musical with the deepest or hardest to follow plot but the developing romance between the two main characters, Edward Lewis (Oliver Savile), a wealthy businessman and Vivian Ward (Amber Davies), an escort who is struggling to make ends meet, plays out wonderfully. A chance encounter turns into a business arrangement which turns into eventual romance. 

Amber Davies delivers with her characterisation making you feel for Vivian and you hope that whatever comes her way there’s happiness. She is also drives her fierceness and her ability to not take any crap. Vocally Davies wows too, the second act solo ‘I Can’t Go Back’ is a real stand-out moment. 

Oliver Savile is charismatic with the right amount of charm. Edward certainly holds back on showing his emotions until the second act. Savile also has a great vocal and sings strongly throughout. Together the pair make a strong connection that bubbles nicely that leads to an uplifting finale. 

Arguably having the most fun is the superb Ore Oduba as Happy Man/Mr Thompson. Oduba thrives in the role, showing he is a complete triple threat with vocals, acting and of course, much to the delight of the audience, dancing. He lights up the stage in every appearance whatever character he is playing in the scene. 

Amber Davies (Vivian Ward) and the ensemble. Photo by Marc Brenner.

Natalie Paris is a phenomenal singer and actress and she is another uplifting presence anytime she is on stage as Kit De Luca. The friendship that Kit and Vivian is the glue that holds both roles together. 

In supporting roles Ben Darcy impresses as Edward’s lawyer Philip Stuckey whilst Noah Harrison has a great time as Giulio, the bellboy at the Beverley Wilshire Hotel. 

The show does deliver moments that are made so iconic from the film including Vivian’s wardrobe with costume design by Tom Rogers. The red dress that Vivian wears to the opera wows in a statement entrance. That scene features a lovely duet (‘You and I’) between Vivian and Edward which is undercut by terrific operatic vocals by Lila Falce-Bass (Violetta) and Josh Damer Jennings (Alfredo).

The score by Adams and Vallance is full of ballads and punchy numbers that the 6 piece orchestra bring to life under the musical direction of Griff Johnson. There is a sense of anticipation for the titular song made famous by Roy Orbison which is given a short rendition at the curtain call. 

Whether you come in aware of the movie or not, this production is slick and polished and is a toe-tapping escapism with its music and cracking cast. ‘What’s your dream?’ is a motto of the show and one of yours should be to grab a ticket to see this show.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pretty Woman The Musical plays at Royal and Derngate in Northampton until Saturday 14th September 2024. The tour then visits Curve in Leicester from Monday 16th until Saturday 21st September 2024 with the tour concluding at Lyceum in Sheffield from Monday 23rd until
Saturday 28th September 2024. For tickets and more information visit https://uk.prettywomanthemusical.com

Ore Oduba (Happy Man) and Natalie Paris (Kit De Luca). Photo by Marc Brenner