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This non-stop jukebox of 80s pop is a feel-good show with its own Kylie Minogue guru!Summary
Rating
Good
Sometimes theatre is used to challenge, educate, or provoke a response. Other times, theatre is great entertainment– a distraction from the humdrum and the troubles of life. I Should Be So Lucky falls in the latter category. It’s an uplifting show with nothing challenging or provoking but jammed full of fun and songs produced by Stock Aitken Waterman andspectacular dance sequences from Jason Gilkison, the Creative Director for BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.”
This is a story of love, written and directed by Debbie Isitt in a soap opera style. Songs are used to move the narrative along – sometimes these are just phrases, whole songs, medleys, and recurring themes. The programme lists 24 songs, and I lost count after the first 10 minutes!
As the curtain rises, the audience is left with no doubts about the theme: the set and costumes, designed by Tom Rogers, are spotted with hearts and the colours pop, just like the music and the enthusiasm of this energetic cast. They sing and dance for the majority of the show with some fabulous extended sequences. A feast for the eyes.
We arrive on the wedding day of Ella (Lucia-Mae Sumner) and Nathan (Billy Roberts) surrounded by their family and friends. Nathan is unsure about going through with the wedding because he has been told there is a problem– a family secret. Ella is nervous too, but she is reassured by her inner diva, Kylie Minogueherself, who manifests as a cross between The Fairy Godmother, RuPaul and Jiminy Cricket!
Nathan gives into his doubts and jilts Ella at the altar, but her family and friends rally round her and decide to go on the honeymoon to Turkey anyway. Nathan realises his mistake and, persuaded by best man Ash (Giovanni Spanò), jumps on a plane to win her back. Then the fun really begins!
It’s a straightforward storyline with love being the driving force. Characters fall in love with each other, and, as you would expect with Kylie being involved, it is very camp and lots of fun. Talking of camp, I must mention the very talented Jamie Chapman, who is triple cast as Spencer the resort manager, the vicar, and Nathan’s grandad. His portrayal of Spencer was pivotal to the events at the resort, drawing on the best qualities of John Inman and Larry Grayson. Fabulously camp.
There were, however, some minor distractions—issues with lighting and sound, namely. The characters in the hot air balloon were in shadow, and occasionally the sound mix meant the vocals were below the level of the music created by the fantastic band lead by John Hodgson.
Vocally, the strongest individual performances came from Sumner, as Ella, Jemma Churchill, as Ella’s mum Ivy, and Kayla Carter as Ella’s chief bridesmaid, Bonnie. These characters all have experienced heartbreak, and this trio of actors portrayed their emotional state with some outstanding vocal performances.
If you love the music of the Hit Factory and you loved Mamma Mia!, this is the show for you!
Music & Lyrics: Stock Aitken Waterman
Writer & Director: Debbie Isitt
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
Musical Supervisor, Arranger & Orchestrator: George Dyer
Set & Costume Designer: Tom Rogers
Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson
Sound Designer: Ben Harrison
Video & Animation Designer: Andrzej Goulding
Kylie Videography: Sophie Muller
I Should Be So Lucky is currently touring across the UK, all dates can be found here. It plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 3 February 2024. Tickets for these dates can be booked here.
