The 1990 Hollywood Box Office behemoth Pretty Woman needs very little by way of introduction. Directed by Garry Marshall, it starred Richard Gere and (at that point) a young and relatively unknown actress by the name of Julia Roberts. The plot is not complex – a reluctant prostitute by the name of Vivian Ward touts the Hollywood Boulevard and picks up the trick of a lifetime when she encounters ruthless but loveable businessman Edward Lewis. In a move that could only happen in fiction, he lavishes three thousand dollars on her to be his ‘companion’ (answers on a postcard) for the six days that he is in town. The rest of the story centres around her enjoyment of the experience and their developing whirlwind relationship. The film transferred to the stage in 2018 and quickly became the stuff of box office dreams. This week the magnificent Hollywood Boulevard arrives here in Nottingham.

The casting this evening is pitch perfect. The piece stands or falls on the strength of the performers in the two central and iconic roles. This production most definitely stands. Oliver Savile embodies the role of Edward perfectly. He is extremely convincing as the smooth-talking clothes horse of a guy that this character needs to be. He has stage presence and oodles of suave. He also manages to convey that darker, edgier side that comes with the ruthless businessman image.

Vivacious Vivian is played by Amber Davies (a former ‘Love Island’ champion). Davies has terrific comedy timing and a splendid voice. She is 100% our leading lady and we are all on her side from the moment we meet her. Her rendition of ‘Anywhere But Here’ is truly heartfelt. The chemistry between Savile and Davies is electrifying throughout, and really culminates in a magnificent performance of the duet ‘Long Way Home’.

Vivian’s loyal street colleague Kit De Luca (Natalie Paris) is another highlight of the evening. Paris gives a powerhouse performance with exceptionally good vocals and a sassy, twinkly energy to boot.

The highlight for me, however, is the comedy double act that is hotel manager Mr Barney Thompson (Ore Oduba) and hotel bellboy Guilio (Noah Harrison). These two steal every scene that they are in, draw every eye and bring that special flare that every good musical needs. Fans of Strictly will be especially pleased with a scene in which Oduba as Thompson teaches our Vivian to dance. A real crowd pleaser at this opening night. Oduba has a twinkle in his eye throughout and looks as if he is having the time of his life. Harrison has a face that paints a thousand pictures. Such talent!

The entire ensemble are quite spectacular, and the band, under the direction of Griff Johnson are supportive of the performances and not overpowering. The musical numbers in this production are penned by Bryan Adams and so you might expect they’re pretty toe tapping. I especially enjoy one magnificently operatic number, ‘A Night At The Opera’ delivered by the beautiful voices of Lila Falce-Bass and Josh Damer-Jennings. It’s a very special piece of music performed to perfection.

The look of the show is perfect for the setting – the costumes, colours and hair all transport you straight back to the 80’s. The transitions between scenes are slick and seamless.

This is a piece of theatre that ‘gets’ its audience and understands what it is trying to achieve. It is immensely fun and uplifting. It is, on occasion, gloriously camp. It is fairytale escapism and the audience this evening are absolutely here for it. I think it might be one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen this year.

Pretty Woman? Pretty Brilliant I’d say. Tickets are selling fast so snap yours up today.

Playing at the Theatre Royal Nottingham until Saturday 7^th September 2024.