Theatre Review: Pretty Woman The Musical

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2024 Touring Production of Pretty Woman The Musical at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

You know when you’re growing up and you have unlikely and probably unhealthy aspirations for adulthood? Well thirteen-year-old me wanted to be Vivian Ward, a down-on-her-luck hooker working Hollywood Boulevard. I also wanted thigh-high leather boots. Which work wonderfully on 5′8″ Julia Roberts, but probably not so much on 5′2″ me. So how would I feel about the 1990 classic rom-com about sex work in Los Angeles coming to the stage? Or is Pretty Woman The Musical a “big mistake”?

Mr Fletche confessed to never having seen the film so I was eager to hear his thoughts without any preconceptions.

“Welcome To Hollywood! What’s Your Dream?”

Following a successful run on Broadway and in the West End, and a UK tour throughout 2023/2024, Pretty Woman the Musical opened for the second time at the Alexandra Theatre last night. It’s adapted from the 1990 film, which was a huge commercial success and one of the highest-grossing rom-coms ever. It propelled a reasonably unknown Julia Roberts to superstardom, thanks to great on-screen chemistry with Richard Gere.

Pretty Woman tells the story of a wealthy businessman Edward (Oliver Savile ) who hires spirited prostitute Vivian (played by Amber Davis) to be his “companion” and accompany him to social events during a week in LA. Unsurprisingly, their relationship evolves from business to romance, but can they overcome the wide gap between their two worlds?

“I Can Do Anything I Want To, Baby. I Ain’t Lost.”

Amber Davies may be best known for appearing in Love Island and Dancing on Ice, but having seen her as Judy in 9 to 5 back in 2019 I was well aware of her musical theatre ability. She plays an adorable and charming Vivian, who wants the fairy-tale Prince Charming, but also wants to be empowered. Her vocal ability really shines through, managing to be controlled during her big numbers.

Oliver Savile takes on the suave businessman role of Edward; he has a wonderful rich voice, particularly impressing with his emotional solo numbers. He shows great stage presence, and has wonderful chemistry with Davies. I can’t imagine Richard Gere being quite so playful.

Ore Oduba plays Barney Thompson, the dignified but kind-hearted manager of the prestigious Regent Beverley Wilshire Hotel. He adds a touch of humour with his sidekick, bumbling bellboy Guilio (wonderfully played by Noah Harrison). He gets to show off some of the dancing talent that won him the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball in 2016 – a triumph that he gives more than a little audience nod to. Oduba doubles us as Happy Man, and we also see him pop up as an array of other characters, even conducting the orchestra at one point!

After having the Six soundtrack on loop for years, it was a joy to finally see Natalie Paris (the OG Jane Seymour) playing Vivian’s wisecracking roommate Kit. She’s edgy but loveable, as Paris brings depth to the character.

“I Want The Fairy Tale.”

This stage adaptation doesn’t stray far from the original script, meaning that I could have quoted much of the dialogue verbatim. The staging by David Rockwell is simple, although some of the set changes are a little clumsy. There’s great use of neon lights to represent Hollywood Boulevard, and some lovely silhouetted scenes, courtesy of lighting designers Kenneth Posner and Philip S Rosenberg. Tom Rogers has recreated many familiar costumes from the movie, whilst showcasing some wonderful new creations. Natalie Paris’ rock chick wigs deserve their own mention.

Although the film has a great soundtrack – not least that title number – it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will transfer well to a stage musical. After all, apart from Vivian singing Prince’s “Kiss” in the bathtub, no-one sings. I’m not counting the opera scene. But Pretty Woman The Musical has a score full of original tunes. You might have heard of one of the songwriters. Some Canadian guy called Bryan Adams. He knows how to write a successful tune.

“In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight”

There an upbeat opening number, and then “Anywhere But Here” sets the tone. In all honesty, it’s not a particularly memorable soundtrack, although “On A Night Like Tonight”, “You and I” and Vivian’s powerful solo “I Can’t Go Back” stand out. Surprisingly, we don’t hear Roy Orbison’s iconic title tune until the curtain call, although it is teased throughout.

It’s a faithful adaptation filled with enough nostalgia to make me smile. The opera scene in particular is a highlight, with a recreation of La Traviata – so key to the movie. It’s an outstanding operatic performance from Lila Falce-Bass as Violetta. Pretty Woman the Musical is heart-warming and funny, cheesy and charming. And thankfully, Mr Fletche agrees.

It would be a big mistake to miss it. Big. Huge.

Tickets are no longer available for this show

Production images by Marc Brenner

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.