Review: Pretty Woman, the musical UK Tour, Glasgow

Lisa in the theatre
Nov 16, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Apr 14

Amber Davies as Vivian Ward and Oliver Savile as Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman: the musical, UK Tour. Photo credit: Marc Brenner.

Pretty Woman: The Musical UK Tour 2023 / 2024

Direction and choreography: Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray)

Score: Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance

Book: Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton

Review: 14 November 2023 | Theatre Royal, Glasgow

⭐⭐⭐

Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream?"

Classic 90's rom-com 'Pretty Woman' gets the stage musical treatment and brings the hit film and beloved characters to life for a new generation. Following successful runs in London's West End and on Broadway, 'Pretty Woman: the musical' had its Scottish Premier at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow last night.

When struggling Hollywood Boulevard hooker Vivian (Amber Davies) meets suave, wealthy businessman Edward (Oliver Savile), they make a deal for her to be his 'escort' for the week. Against all odds, they fall in love.

It's a modern-day Cinderella story set in Beverly Hills; but both Cinderella and Prince Charming "screw people for money."

I had my concerns over the storyline: Do women of today really wish for a Prince Charming to rescue them? Is that what we should aspire to? But Vivian is undeniably independent and clever from the start. She's vulnerable yes, but the writers have made some effort to show us that despite that, she is strong and empowered near the end. (No spoilers!)

The plot remains a fairytale nonetheless and as such it may appeal to some whilst offending others. But if you can put that aside and just go along for the ride, the new musical is full of nostalgia and all the iconic scenes from the film. "Big mistake, huge!", the opera, Vivian's glee at discovering all the perks of Edward's hotel suite - all here and all faithful enough to please fans. The opera scene in particular is a glorious highlight of the show.

Pretty Woman the musical UK Tour. Photo credit: Marc Brenner

The film of Pretty Woman was a box office hit thanks, largely, to the superb, funny and charming performance of Julia Roberts as the proud, but poor, prostitute Vivian.

In the musical we have the wonderfully talented Amber Davies (Back to the Future, 9 to 5) in the lead role who is equally as spirited and appealing. Amber has great stage presence, enviable comic timing and a super voice; She absolutely makes for a convincing leading lady. The audience was rooting for her from the start.

Amber Davies in Pretty Woman the musical UK Tour. Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Oliver Savile is a dashing Edward, and he certainly does justice to the musical numbers with a gorgeous, rich voice. But he doesn't have a whole lot to work with beyond that. The character is pretty flat, and there isn't any obvious chemistry between Edward and Vivian.

Ore Oduba (Rocky Horror, Strictly Come Dancing) is magnetic as Mr Thompson, the manager of the prestigious Beverly Wiltshire hotel (and other characters!) It's a great role that really showcases his appeal, and there's a crowd-pleasing nod to his time on Strictly Come Dancing too. (Although how well that works when someone other than Oduba is playing the role, I'm not sure.)

But stealing the show in a powerhouse performance as Vivian's good friend Kit de Luca, is Natalie Paris (Six, Les Mis.) Her voice! Her confidence! Everyone needs a reliable friend like Kit and Natalie nails every line, every note. She's a dream performer, and this character brings a much-needed rock element to the otherwise saccharin soundtrack.

Grammy Winner Bryan Adams' score is unfortunately forgettable. The songs were perfectly pleasant at the time; one or two stronger than others, but heading home after the show I'd have been pushed to name a single one (other than the title track of course.)

Noah Harrison and Natalie Paris in Pretty Woman the musical UK Tour. Photo credit: Marc Brenner

This 2023 / 2024 UK Tour production of Pretty Woman boasts a fine supporting cast. Noah Harrison is a delight as Giulio, the bumbling bellboy. His mannerisms and incredible, joyous talent reminded me so much of the late, great, Michael Jeter, it was a pleasure to watch him shine. And Sydnie Hocknell (Bonnie and Clyde) is such a firecracker. It was great to see her have a solo number (that she aced!) as well as form a part of the wider company.

The show I saw was the Scottish premier and opening night at a new venue for this touring production, and so perhaps some teething issues are to be expected. But this is the third venue on tour, and I counted at least five times when mics weren't raised when they should've been resulting in the audience missing an actor's opening words. Most criminal of which was during Sydnie's aforementioned solo.

Pretty Woman, the musical will be a theatrical event and a much anticipated show for many fans of the film. So, it is unfortunate that the set and scenery seems rather sparse and stingy. A touring show this may be but shows like 42nd Street prove just what can be achieved on tour. There are plenty of stunning costumes and all of Vivian's iconic outfits to admire though (Costume design is by Tom Rogers from the original Broadway designs by Gregg Barnes.) Josh Marquette's wigs are fabulous too, especially Vivian and Kit's spectacular dos.

Overall, it was a mixed bag for me. Pretty Woman: the musical is undoubtedly a nostalgic, unconventional, romantic fairytale that will bring joy to so many fans of the much loved film. There is a lot to enjoy, and I had a lovely night at the theatre, but the musical can't compete with the original film in terms of charm, impact and enduring appeal. ⭐⭐⭐

📸 Production photography: Marc Brenner

Pretty Woman: The musical plays at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 25th November and then continues to tour across the UK.