It would be a big mistake to miss Pretty Woman at Derngate theatre this week. Huge.
The iconic film is now a stage musical, and I am here for it. The classic love story of a sex worker falling in love with a rich handsome stranger has been serving fantasies for years. And who doesn’t love it when she is allowed to finally shop. That scene is so iconic.
Vivian is trying to survive in Los Angeles. She is a girl with ambitions but finds herself turning tricks for money. She falls on her feet when she meets Edward. He was just asking directions, but she drives him to where he wants to go. He invites her up, because he is lonely rather than for anything else and she feels she has hit the jackpot when she realises, he lives in the penthouse. They get to know each other while he pays for her company.
Pretty Woman The Musical is true to the film and that is such a relief. All our favourite moments are in the show including the Opera in the red dress, the shopping scene where she is spoiled, and of course the final scene where Edward comes to rescue her.
The opening scene, ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ is fabulous and really sets up the story. The sets are clever and with just a few changes, we are transformed to the Beverly Wiltshire hotel or the opera box.
Amber Davies plays Vivian and let’s be honest, these are huge shoes to fill from Julia Roberts. Amber easily fits them and some. Amber is a fantastic actor and gives every emotion in this role. Her first outfit is exactly true to the film and reassures the audience we are in safe hands.
Oliver Savile plays Edward. Edward is a hard role to play as he is often seen as cold and callous, but Oliver gives everything to the role, and we fall in love with Edward along with Vivian. Oliver makes it look easy he is so natural in the role.
Ore Oduba plays the ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ man, the hotel manager, the shop manager and also takes a stint conducting the orchestra. In fact Ore is barely off the stage. Ore is incredible. He is funny with excellent timing, shows his dancing talent off – well he didn’t win strictly for nothing, and is just stealing every scene he is in. I have reviewed Ore several times, most recently as Brad in The Rocky Horror show, but he is a million worlds away from a fishnet stocking, and every role he covers on the stage is believable. The show is worth seeing for Ore alone!
Kit is played by Natalie Paris and wow – what a voice this woman has. Easily the best voice on the stage and elevates Kit from a ‘bit’ part in the film to a supporting actor role in the show. Natalie made me think of P!nk and could easily play her in a show of her life. I would love to see her cover Lady Marmalade (fitting for the role in this show).
I loved this show. I am always wary when a good story is made into a musical, but my fears are unfounded. The soundtrack is great, and I especially loved Welcome To Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and Never Give Up ON A Dream. The music and lyrics are by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and you can hear this in some of the songs. Of course, the final song is not Bryans, but Roy Orbison and the audience are on their feet.
This is a really good night out. Huge. Pretty Woman is playing at the Derngate Theatre, Northampton until 14 September.
Comments