Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Book: Garry Marshall & J. E. Lawton
Music & Lyrics: Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance
“Pretty Enjoyable”
4 / 5
Pretty Woman: The Musical is based on the 90s romcom classic featuring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, with their against all odds love story between a millionaire and a sex worker. After a stint in both the West End and Broadway, the show is now on tour – with a well-timed Valentines week at the gorgeous New Wimbledon Theatre.
Following the original movie pretty much to the letter, sex worker Vivian is swept off her feet one fateful night in Hollywood by time-poor businessman Edward. He loves only the best – be it champagne or penthouses he’s a man of good taste and quality. So, when he encounters laidback Vivian’s carefree and cheeky personality, it intrigues him – so much so, he decides to pay her for a week of her company while he’s in town completing a business deal. Over the course of the week, they get closer, both breaking their own intimacy rules and entering new territory that will change both of their lives forever.
If you’ve seen the film, there aren’t too many surprises within the show – recognisable scenes such as the ‘big mistake’ shopping trip, or the romantic first kiss are showcased well, capturing the original essence and translating it over perfectly from screen to stage. The catalog of songs from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance are pretty enjoyable, but not groundbreaking enough to really elevate this as a standalone musical. A lot of them sound quite similar, and there isn’t really a showcase number that stays in the memory after the show is over. That being said, the songs that are performed, are done to a great standard by the talented cast. A stand out moment of the whole show is when Violetta (Lila Falce-Bass) and Alfredo (Josh Damer-Jennings) perform an opera routine that is beautifully captivating – mesmerising the audience with their wonderful vocals.
Sydnie Hocknell (Vivian) and Oliver Savile (Edward) believably portray the building infatuation between the two characters, injecting the perfect balance of endearing adoration between each other without being too cheesy. Natalie Paris (Kit) is absolutely outstanding as Vivian’s confident friend, expertly delivering the ‘Rodeo Drive’ song with her powerhouse vocals. Ore Oduba plays a multitude of roles such as hotel manager Mr Thompson, concert conductor and ‘happy man’ charming the audience with his engaging on stage-personas, while most impressing during the dance scene with the humorous bell boy Giulio (Noah Harrison). David Rockwell’s set design is minimalistic, with swift, seamless transitions that transport the audience from the hotel to the Hollywood strip in the blink of an eye.
While this show definitely plays it safe, there is nothing wrong with a simple, straightforward, enjoyable show. With February being the month of love, this revitalising romcom is the perfect show to catch.
Runs Until 17 February 2024 then continues to tour.
RatedReviewed 
Leave a comment