I Should Be So Lucky. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
Stock Aitken Waterman ruled the charts in the second half of the 80’s (and also early 90’s). The songwriting and producing trio scored more than 100 UK top 40 hits (plus dozens of worldwide hits) and sold over 150 million records. Their roster of artists included Rick Astley, Bananarama, Mel & Kim, Donna Summer, Jason Donovan, and of course – Kylie Minogue.
Here we have a brand new show which takes many of those hits and weaves them into a musical. Created by Debbie Isitt (“Navity”) the story follows the love story of couple Ella (Lucie-Mae Sumner) and Nathan (Billy Roberts) and as the opening number (the titular “I Should Be So Lucky”) starts we join them on their wedding day. But will they be “lucky in love”? I don’t want to give any spoilers but the course of true love never does run smooth. They do indeed go on their honeymoon, but do they go together? The action then moves to Turkey for the rest of the piece and its non-stop fun. It’s also non-stop hits which come thick and fast. Songs that some could dismiss as fluffy pop lend themselves lyrically so well to the storyline.
The script is great and VERY funny with many laugh out loud moments.
The set is a visual delight, beautifully designed to facilitate the various locations of the holiday. There is a heart theme to the set so many of the set pieces are heart-shaped which is a lovely touch.
The cast are fantastic and you feel like they’re having the best time in this show – and who could blame them. Kylie herself appears throughout the show in video form, and she also looks like she’s loving every minute. Having her as part of it is really lovely. A special mention must go to Elliot Broadfoot who went on as an understudy at this performance as gay BFF Michael. He was absolutely wonderful and I can’t imagine anyone playing the part better.
The standout star of the show is the music however. A hugely nostalgic era in music is brought to life on stage and the audience absolutely lap it up. Every song gets a reaction as soon as it starts. Whether it’s a cheer or an “ahh” or even a chuckle at how the song has been utilised. So many great songs. It’s hit, after hit, after hit. The highlights were Kylie’s “Better The Devil You Know”, Sinitta’s “Toy Boy”, and a fantastic Mel & Kim medley.
This is an absolute must-see show. Probably the most joyous show you’ll ever see. You won’t have a better time than this. So if you’re lucky, lucky, lucky enough to get a ticket GO!
5 stars. A hit in the first degree.
