Yes it’s true – I have found my new favourite musical! It took me by surprise, but I sincerely enjoyed every second of this show, which is currently playing at Curve.
It is of course based on the beloved rom com, which came out in 1990 starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. I enjoy the film I have to say, but for me, this story was made to be a musical. It just works so well. The songs, written by Bryan Adam, serve to elevate the story to another level – amping up the sentiment and the heartfelt message at its core; chase your dreams and don’t settle for anything less…
The main characters Vivian and Edward undergo great transformations throughout the course of the story – with Vivian starting out as a sassy hooker and Edward a cut throat businessman. By the end however, Vivian learns her value; how to be a lady and to carry herself with grace, while Edward learns the value of freedom and love – softening up and craving something more than the money which drove him before…
Other characters, such as Kit De Luca – Vivian’s strong and sassy mentor, are also driven to change. A veteran figure on Sunset Boulevard, Kit is inspired to try something else by the end of the show’s two-and-a-half hour running time.
This character was played by Natalie Paris, who is a powerhouse of a performer. As a fan of super strong vocals, Natalie was my favourite performer in the entire show in fact. From the minute she opened her mouth and completed her first run I was awestruck. Clad in leather and leopard print, she fired off some truly awesome vocals and the power behind her voice seemed effortless as she strutted around the stage with all the confidence of a rock star.
Another highlight of the show for me was Ore Oduba, who played a string of roles including Happy Man (the show’s narrator) and Mr Thompson, manager of the Beverly Wilshire where many of the scenes between Edward and Vivian play out. He can certainly hold his own as a singer, but his slick dance scenes were where he really shone. (He was of course the winner of the 14th season of Strictly Come Dancing). One of my favourite moments of the entire production was the scene where he teaches Vivian how to tango – with the assistance of an impish (and very amusing!) bellboy. Noah Harrison plays the character of Giulio, displaying expect comic timing throughout. A real crowd pleasing performance which tickled me silly and had me laughing out loud!
I enjoyed the retro stage design, and the slick transitions between scenes. Of particular note was the iconic opera scene, where Vivian and Edward begin to realise their love. Stunning operatic vocals came curtesy of Lila Falee-Bass, who floored the audience as this powerful scene played out.
Amber Davies and Oliver Savile give strong performances as the story’s main protagonists – Edward and Vivian. They deliver famous lines from the film and carried the show with great apblomb – and amazing chemistry. The pair sizzled together during the more intimate scenes you may remember from the film (ie: THAT piano scene), and their voices melted together during duets.
To cut a long story short, this show has everything; sentiment, heart, energy, sex, humour and plenty of spark. I left feeling inspired, invigorated and thoroughly entertained. What more could you want?!
By Louise Steel
*****Pretty Woman The Musical will be at Curve until Saturday, September 21.
Visit: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/pretty-woman/ for tickets.
