It was opening night last night of Pretty Woman, a show with extremely limited tickets throughout its run so it was lovely to have been invited to do a review for this show. Upon arrival at the theatre and taking our seats we were made aware that there was a cast change for this week. The role of Vivian Ward was to be played by Elly Jay. Now I must admit I know of the film Pretty Woman, but I have never seen it. So, for those who do know, please bear with me while I explain. It’s set in LA when Billionaire Edward Lewis (Oliver Savile) is about to shut down a company and make millions with his lawyer. He gets lost in his lawyer’s car and ends up meeting a lady of the night known as Vivian Ward (Elly Jay) Edward offers to pay for Vivian but not in the way you might think. He hires her to drive the car to his penthouse suite at the hotel and talks to her over champagne and strawberries. After hitting it off with Vivian, he makes her an offer. To stay with him for one week, both day and night to help pull off this ‘deal’ of the century. After some negotiating on price to the tune of 3000 dollars and use of his credit card for new outfits she accepts. Making the claim that when this week is out Edward would not want to let Vivian go.
After hitting the streets of Beverly Hills only to be snubbed by the high-class shops Vivian goes back to the hotel where Mr Thompson (Ore Oduba) not only gets her the dress and matching accessories she desires but teaches her how to dance so she can be the lady everyone expects at these high-flying events.
Now that I’ve given a brief overview of the plot it’s time to give my opinion. It must be said that it has been a while since I’ve been truly mesmerised by a piece of musical theatre, but this show did just that for me and my partner who is a fan of the film. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Ore Oduba but he really played the multitude of characters well and really is a beautiful singer. He is known for winning the 14th season of Strictly Come Dancing and he did not disappoint at all when it came to dusting of those dancing shoes. This production had heart, love and comedy in all the right places. My partner said it best when she said this show could be described in one word and that was flawless. Sadly, I couldn’t get away with just saying that as a review. However, she was 100% right it was flawless. For me, I’m so honoured to have seen Elly Jay in this role because she did it to an impeccable standard, she was known for doing the role at the London’s west end theatre at the Savoy and you can tell why. If you have tickets to see it this week then you won’t be disappointed when she comes out on stage. The company was top class from slick dance moves to very tight harmonies. The one company member who stole the show for me was Lila Falce-Bass, who is making her professional debut with this production. From the moment she sang her solo she had the crowd eating out of her hands and cheering for more. Normally I would say rush and get tickets, but for the whole run there are only single tickets left so really you should rush and snap up the last tickets if you can or find a venue local to you. There is nothing wrong with going to the theatre alone and it would be a shame to miss this incredible show.
Playing until 3rd February, https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/
Reviewer: Luke Stephenson
Reviewed: 23rd January 2024
North West End UK Rating: