Review: Pretty Woman, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘A fantastic evening at the theatre’

Even when I first watched Pretty Woman in 1990, it already felt somewhat out of touch. The concept of a woman needing to be rescued by a man seemed a bit old-fashioned, especially since it was released just four years before The Spice Girls introduced the world to Girl Power.

So, in 2023, the question is whether a narrative that was already somewhat out of step with society 30 years ago can still resonate with a modern audience.

The storyline is quite familiar, essentially a modern Cinderella tale for adults. Billionaire corporate raider Edward finds himself in Hollywood one fateful night, where he encounters Vivian, a confident prostitute from the wrong side of the tracks, and ends up hiring her services for the evening.

The original film had the advantage of featuring two of the most charismatic and beloved movie stars, Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Their on-screen chemistry was electric and turned them into superstars. Filling their shoes was no small feat.

Amber Daviey, taking on the role of Vivian, and Oliver Savile as the billionaire Edward, prove themselves more than capable. The moment you see Amber in her blonde wig and witness her first performance, you know she’s got it. Oliver’s mix of vulnerability as a lost little boy, combined with Amber’s quirky and sassy portrayal of a prostitute with dreams, breathe fresh life into the original story while retaining its charm.

Ore Oduba, known to many in the audience from Strictly Come Dancing, transitions effortlessly between two characters and is a central presence in every scene he appears in, impressing the audience with his exceptional dance moves.

Natalie Paris shines in her role as Kit, Vivian’s best friend, and the only disappointment is not hearing more of her incredible vocal talents.

The second act treats the audience to a delightful surprise with A Night at the Opera. The vocal performances of the two leads, John Damer Jennings and Lila Falce-Bass, are on par with anything you’d hear at Covent Garden. The entire ensemble deliver outstanding performances, and while the show might not have songs that win awards, the performances and dance numbers bring immense joy.

Having seen several scaled-down versions of big West End musicals at the Hippodrome this year with underwhelming stage sets and production values, Pretty Woman is a refreshing return to the kind of grand night out you’d expect from the venue.

Pretty Woman the musical is a fairy tale, but like all great rom-coms, it’s ultimately a story about how the power of love can conquer all. As much as Vivian is rescued from her life on the streets by the rich and successful Edward, it’s Vivian who rescues the cold, heartless, money-driven Edward from his mundane and purposeless life. By placing more emphasis on Vivian saving Edward, the story feels better balanced and less like a ‘helpless woman saved’ tale.

In every aspect, this is a fantastic evening at the theatre. If you enjoyed the original film, you’ll adore this feel-good, uplifting reimagining of the story. After all, who can resist a romantic comedy with some fantastic musical numbers?

Pretty Woman is at Bristol Hippodrome from October 31-November 11 at 7.30pm, with matinee shows on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm (no shows Monday or Sunday evening). For more information and tickets, www.atgtickets.com.

All photos: Marc Brenner

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