The Cher Show – Liverpool Empire

Tonight, I had the privilege of watching the dazzling new musical, ‘The Cher Show’.

Having been exposed to this musical flooding social media for months, I was eager to see what the hype was all about. Some may believe this is a niche market – Jukebox musicals – therefore I was intrigued to find out if this one can appeal to a mass audience. To give a brief synopsis, The Cher show takes us on the journey of Cher’s life, and the creators have crafted this cleverly using three different performers to symbolise the three stages of her life. We are introduced to prominent characters in Cher’s life and are shown the relationships with each person and how they develop.

From the moment we entered the Empire’s grand auditorium, the energy was electric. We were greeted with an intricate set of grand stature, formed cleverly by (what seemed like hundreds of) single costume bags hung up all over the backstage wall. The entirety of the stage had been used to its full potential here.

The show opened to a clever and comedic intro – instantly proving this show would have substance, rather than solely becoming a concert style performance.

Our three leading ladies (Millie O’Connell, Danielle Steers and Debbie Kurup). What can I say. When performing as individuals they were a force to be reckoned with, together they were show-stopping. This was shown particularly in the powerhouse mega mix and singalong we were treated to for the finale, where they gave their heart and soul. These ladies did a spectacular job of showing us Cher’s reinvention throughout her career, offering us an insight into her life as well as some breathtaking solo songs (‘If I could turn back time’) and big impact, high energy full company numbers (‘Believe’).

Another standout of the night was Tori Scott, who played Cher’s mother Georgia. This character appeared largely at the beginning of the show, then spiradically throughout the show, often not for long periods of time. However, this actor managed to bring strength, vulnerability and warmth to the Empire stage in her given moments, truly giving us a powerful maternal figure throughout – not to mention her triumphant vocals. Another rather prominent character was Sonny Bono (played by Lucas Rush). Other than our trinity of Cher’s, I felt as though Sonny had the most character development throughout the show – starting of strong, morphing into a money-minded man (almost villain-type) and finally gaining redemption with Cher herself and our audience.

This company was comprised of 12 highly versatile dancers and ensemble members. The bold choreography was flawless, and it was no shock to find out the show was choreographed by Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing). I particularly loved the Latin flair and the infused elements of contemporary and commercial dance – the commercial aspects in particular helped give off the essence of watching a live concert during these sections, rather than a theatre show. This ensemble delivered big on impact and energy from start to finish.

Danny Belton took helm as the musical director. The band sounded extremely full, and after finding out the band was comprised of 4 musicians, this is something that deserves serious recognition. Each song

came across as fresh and vibrant, giving an extra kick to Cher’s classic hits. To alien ears these musical numbers could have been created from scratch. Saying this, they didn’t often stray from what was originally written and did full justice to this musical icon’s catalogue.

Direction came from Arlene Phillips. Phillips created some stunning moments, I believe this was shown in its full extent during scenes between Cher and her mother, and also Cher and Sonny when showing some of their more challenging and difficult moments. You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium during these.

A special mention must go to the costuming. Enormous credits should go to the highly talented Gabriella Slade for her creation of such elaborate and detailed costuming, shining perfectly when hit by light. I loved the coordinated costuming of the ensemble – sporting slick and intricately detailed leather two pieces. Not to mention the dazzling bodysuit style costumes worn for the majority of the show by each leading lady, each also having a slight difference with one another but fitting together seamlessly, all similarly coloured.

Backed by an incredible creative team, fresh from our television screens, and a talented cast boasting a multitude of top credits, this brand new musical was set for success from the out go. I left the theatre this evening feeling electrically energetic and lifted, humming the music all the way home.

The Cher Show is running at the Liverpool Empire until 21st January. The show then heads off to a multitude of destinations all around the country on a UK tour.

Reviewer: Grace Dougall

Reviewed: 17th January 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★