Based on the 1990 smash hit film of the identical title, the musical theatre iteration of Pretty Woman has arrived in Glasgow for a two-week run. Neophyte intercourse employee Vivian (Amber Davies) seeking to have the funds for her hire, baggage a deal to escort cut-throat businessman Edward as his arm sweet for week. Such because it at all times is in rom-coms, truthful maiden Vivian has met her Prince Charming and the enterprise deal quickly turns into love.
While at greatest an entertaining piece of fluff, it’s definitely not going to trouble any of your mind cells and its in the end a pale shadow of the movie that shot Julia Roberts to superstardom.
The issues are typically two-fold, the subject material is bordering on unpalatable, and a bit too simplistically drawn for the 2000s (the supply materials is in spite of everything 33 years previous and the writing of feminine characters has hopefully moved on – wealthy man rescues poor lady – come on) and the central pairing lack the requisite chemistry to gentle a spark beneath the boringly written ebook.
Oliver Savile’s Edward is superbly sung, however the writing renders a normally sturdy stage presence to a little bit of a wimp and Davies as Vivian, doesn’t have the required comedy performing, dancing or vocal abilities to make a mark. She belts out just a few of her tunes with gusto however the total tone and management are reedy and skinny. At occasions she appears to be like as if she’s dialling in her efficiency from the dressing room.
Most profitable are the supporting forged, Ore Oduba shines as Happy Man our narrator and Beverly Wiltshire Hotel boss Mr. Thompson (milking his success in Strictly Ballroom to good impact), nonetheless his diction initially is a bit of garbled, that mentioned, his singing voice is surprisingly sturdy. His facet kick Giulio the Bellboy (Noah Harrison) supplies the a lot wanted, albeit broad slapstick comedy to the proceedings. Natalie Paris is, as at all times, an utter knock-out within the vocal division and delivers a 3D portrayal of her character Kit, fellow hooker and Vivian’s greatest pal. It is a pity she’s not on stage for longer. Of notice too is ensemble member Lila Falce-Bass whose vocals as Violetta within the La Traviata opera night time are spectacular as are her fellow singers on this scene. The supporting forged are typically glorious and soar when singing as one. The choreography isn’t notably unique or taxing and is competently executed all through. The set is minimal, funds definitely hasn’t been spent making it look wealthy and opulent, however it largely works, if a bit of visually boring.
The Bryan Adam’s songs all bear the hallmark of Bryan Adams, with some pinching some acquainted sounding moments from his greater hits. They are total missing in number of model and tone, there are too many reprises of earlier tunes, none sturdy sufficient to face up to listening to once more.
Ultimately, Pretty Woman The Musical is un-taxing, undemanding fluff that may take your thoughts off the approaching winter nights to come back. However, it’s sadly one other instance of how not all profitable films ought to try and make the transition from display screen to stage.
Runs till 25 November 2023
