Photos by Marc Brenner
The Regent becomes Hollywood itself this week as ‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’ rolls into town on its UK and Ireland tour. Based on the blockbuster smash hit from 1990 which made over $400 million (fifth highest grossing film of all time) with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in the leading roles in a Cinderella or Pygmalion-esque story.
The musical premiered in Chicago in 2018 before its West End debut in 2020 and tells the story of Hollywood escort Vivian Ward, who is hired by businessman Edward Lewis for six days to accompany him on dinner dates, himself only in town to tie up a huge business deal. Edward, believing that an escort is preferable to a real relationship, starts to soften as the two spend more time together and romance blossoms.
All the iconic parts from the film are faithfully remembered in the show which fans will love. Rodeo Drive, Edward’s hotel suite and the scene at La Traviata in particular, is wonderfully recreated.
Rebekah Bryant is no stranger to the recreation of iconic film roles as musicals (Saturday Night Fever, 9 to 5) and does equally fabulously in the lead role as Vivian. Rebekah has a great stage presence which gives her portrayal an edge that we did not see in the film. This was matched by her voice which was so strong in her solos.
Oliver Savile again has a fantastic voice and pairs brilliantly with Rebekah Bryant. His portrayal of Edward is slightly different from Gere’s which so many will be familiar with which gives a slightly different side to the character.
Ore Oduba is back at The Regent since his portrayal of Brad Majors last year in Rocky Horror. He is such a crowd favourite and was perfect as Mr Thompson, the manager of the Beverly Wiltshire hotel (amongst other characters), quietly routing for Vivian. He combines well with the bellboy Guilio played by Noah Harrison for some funny moments in the production.
Natalie Paris played Kit De Luca and gave the best vocal performance of the night with some stunning solo performances.
The scenery is classy and despite being set in Hollywood, its not ‘in your face’ and subtly adorns the stage in a minimalistic style, but sets the backdrops well.
The nostalgia is of course there, but this show is much more than that. With music / lyrics from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, the score is good with some of the songs written, but not used in the show, making their way onto several of Adams’ albums.
The story has been given a subtle makeover and not a blow-for-blow remake, bringing it more into line with modern times without taking too much away. It has a fantastic cast, great score and a story fondly remembered in every household told excellently.
The show runs until the 20th, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are on sale now from the box office or online here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/pretty-woman-the-musical/regent-theatre/
