On a rainy Monday night at The Regent Theatre in Stoke, with an attendance of 1,300, Pretty Woman: The Musical took the stage, faithfully translating the beloved film into a captivating live performance, providing a delightful dose of escapism and wish fulfilment.
Despite the indelicacy of its central concept—Edward, a wealthy businessman, hires Vivian, a sex worker, to be his companion during a week’s stay in Los Angeles—the 1990 movie became one of the most successful romantic comedies ever. Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Vivian catapulted her into superstardom. One might expect a modern stage adaptation to update the story for today’s audiences, but this production sticks closely to the original.
Pretty Woman: The Musical, with a book by Garry Marshall and JF Lawton, who directed and wrote the original film, respectively, hits all the same plot beats without modernizing the gender politics. The only slight update is a scene where Vivian fends off the unwanted attentions of Edward’s business partner herself, rather than being rescued by Edward.
Directed by Jerry Mitchell, known for adaptations like Legally Blonde that delve deeper into character insights, this show falls short in that regard. Amber Davies who couldn’t play Vivian due to a bout of tonsillitis, was played by Rebekah Bryant who delivers a sweet yet tough character that audiences can easily root for. Despite lyrical refrains about following dreams, Vivian’s aspirations seem limited to escaping the streets and finding her white knight.
Staying true to the movie does have its advantages, particularly for nostalgia seekers. The musical includes all the beloved scenes, from the famous shopping spree to the racetrack outing, with costumes replicating the late 1980s’ iconic styles—leather miniskirts, thigh-high boots, and acid-wash denim.
David Rockwell’s minimal yet effective sets transition seamlessly from Hollywood Boulevard’s neon lights to the luxurious Beverly Wilshire penthouse, while a towering opera box sets the scene for Vivian’s La Traviata experience. The score, by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, features guitar- and piano-led soft rock, with upbeat, feel-good numbers and power ballads reminiscent of Adams’s ’90s albums. The tracks are enjoyable, and transport is back to the period effotlessly. Lyrics in Vivian’s major songs, ‘Anywhere But Here’ and ‘I Can’t Go Back’, are painfully direct, yet Bryant’s soaring notes impress.
Rebekah Bryants’s portrayal of Vivian, with her impressive grit and power, resists mimicking Roberts too closely, offering a unique charm. Oliver Savile’s suave yet likable Edward complements Davies well, performing ballads with a silky tone. Natalie Paris shines as Vivian’s exuberant friend Kit, while Ore Oduba, as multiple characters including hotel manager Mr. Thompson, steals the show with his constant humor and dazzling dance moves. Noah Harrison’s bellboy Giulio adds to the comedic charm with his gleefully shocked expressions.
While Pretty Woman: The Musical succeeds as an exercise in faithfully translating a beloved film onto the stage. Providing a dose of escapism and wish fulfillment, it ensures a great night out for many. The show is on for the rest of the week but tickets are now limited, So get onto the box office at the Regent now and get your tickets today so you don’t miss out on this amazing, feelgood and nostalgic show now
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/pretty-woman-the-musical/regent-theatre/
PRODUCTION CREDITS
- Music & Lyrics: Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance
- Book: Garry Marshall, JF Lawton
- Cast: Rebekah Bryant, Oliver Savile, Ore Oduba, Natalie Paris, Ben Darcy, Chomba Taulo, Noah Harrison, et al.
- Direction & Choreography: Jerry Mitchell
- UK Associate Direction: Dominic Shaw
- UK Musical Supervision: Gareth Weedon
- Set: David Rockwell
- Lighting: Kenneth Posner, Philip S. Rosenberg
- UK Sound Design: Greg Pink
- Costumes: Tom Rogers
