Pretty woman, walkin’ down the street.
Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet.
Pretty woman, I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth.
No one could look as good as you.
So … Pretty Woman, a musical based on the 1990 film which followed a trend of being named after songs to boost popularity. I have never seen the film but am told the 2018 musical follows the plot closely. It centres on the relationship that develops between Vivian Ward, a free-spirited Hollywood prostitute, and Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessperson who hires her for a week to be his escort for several business and social functions.
With a book by Garry Marshall and J.E. Lawton, plus music and lyrics from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, Pretty Woman draws heavily on the nostalgia and popularity of the original movie but also has a sound script which flows with decent songs. My only criticism would be that the plot is too simple with apparently less conflict between Vivian and Phillip Stuckey (Stuart Maciver) than the movie.
In the title role of Vivian, we had Amber Davies. I like Amber Davies. I recall going into 9 to 5 a few years back, only hearing second-hand of the Love Island connection and being wowed by the fully theatre trained talent she is. An impressive performance in acting and voice, excelling particularly in Anywhere But Here and I Can’t Go Back. Edward, on this occasion was played by understudy, Ben Darcy but (as I have found on many occasions of seeing the understudy) was outstanding, including perfect renditions of Something About Her and You and I.
As Happy Man/Mr Thompson, we had TV Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Ore Oduba who many in the audience had come to see. Happy to say he was excellent in the role although I do have to draw issue with the unnecessary references to Strictly. Come on, this is musical theatre, not panto, and it wasn’t all about one principal. Equally strong was Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca, also giving a good showing with Oduba and Ensemble during Never Give Up on a Dream. And I must give a special mention to Noah Harrison who stood out strong in many scenes featuring his comic character, Giulio.
Other good numbers included You’re Beautiful, Long Way Home and Together Forever. Finally, after the bows, we got the full cast rendition of the title song, which has no relevance to the plot whatsoever, other than feelgood factor but was welcome and well-delivered.
Pretty Woman was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell with the UK tour responsibilities in the hands of Dominic Shaw and Matt Jones. Global Musical Supervisor was Will Van Dyke while Griff Johnson led an excellent orchestra.
A decent enough show. Not sure I would see it again for a while but overall, a good night out, especially due to Amber Davies.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
* Photos blatantly taken from social media.
Antony N Britt - Author 