Photography: The Palace Theatre
Based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved rom coms, the travelling tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical has finally landed in The Palace Theatre in Manchester.
Edward Lewis (Oliver Savile) enters the stage in a suit broadcasting his big-shot businessman credentials, as 1980s Hollywood comes to life with a flock of palm trees, leg warmers and curly perms. Vivid neon signs light up the stage as the characters dance, with Kit (Natalie Paris) and the Happy Man (Ore Oduba) keeping the staging upbeat throughout. Paris holds the spotlight with her outstanding vocals and Strictly star Oduba shows off his background in professional ballroom dancing with some slick moves.
‘Something About Her’ shows a more sensitive side to Edward as he starts to fall in love with Vivian (Paige Fenlon). Saville plays Edward’s hard shoulder brilliantly, while also allowing a softer side to sneak through. He offers a convincing Prince Charming character as he ends up saving his princess from the streets.
Act Two brings love and a magical operatic scene. Violetta (Lila Falce-Bass) and Alfredo (Josh Damer-Jennings) bring sheer passion to the stage, filling the Palace with their tremendous voices, with background dancers magnifying the impact. Vivian and Edward watch on from an intricate raised booth representing a box at the opera, fitting the scene to perfection.
Fenlon erupts emotion from every line and gesture, perfectly capturing being lost in Vivian’s complicated lifestyle. With Julia Roberts as the original leading role, it was always going to be a tricky part to live up to, but she succeeds, playing her character with such fun and brilliance. Her voice shines, too, especially on ‘Anywhere but Here’.
The audience congratulates the excellent performance with huge cheers. The signature song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ is performed on a bass guitar, continuing the snippet from the beginning of Act Two, completing this phenomenal show.
Featured image: Isabelle Dargue A powerful new film documenting Manchester’s Lights Up movement will premiere at The Savoy Cinema on 9 March as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Lights Up is a free, community-led event organised by Bee Pedal Ready and Station South in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, We Are Cycling UK, MCRActive,…
Featured image: David Lindsay Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow will return to the decks for a special guest vinyl DJ set at The Garden Bar in Chorlton later this month. Chow, known for his distinctive geometric minimalist portraits of figures from Manchester and wider pop culture, is returning to his roots with an exclusive free DJ…
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Leave a reply