A glittery stage musical based on the legendary back catalogue of Stock Aitkin Waterman comes to Birmingham in a toe-tapping production.
I Should Be So Lucky is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
The jukebox musical takes the record-breaking hit songs of songwriting trio Stock Aitkin Waterman, from The Hit Factory, and embroiders them to a fun packed story that includes comedy and romance.
The story follows Ella after she is jilted at the altar by her fiancé Nathan. Ella decides to jet set to the honeymoon destination in Turkey where she begins to fall under the spell of a handsome resort worker named Nadeem.
Nathan, the man who ditched Ella, hastily flies to Turkey in a bid to win her back before Ella and Nadeem become a couple.
The show may appear superficial and saccharine due to the surface gloss, but beneath that pink and heart shaped exterior there is a layer of depth that deals with relationships, friendship, family, love and trust.
Those of a certain age, and even those not of a certain age, will recognise the nostalgic songs that flow from scene to scene. These iconic songs have become part of life, and they continue to be played on radio, used in adverts and films, and are sometimes chosen by participants in pop idol shows, and these timeless and infectious sing-along songs often form the backbone of a karaoke night out.
Kyle Minogue, the singer who belted out the global monster hit I Should Be So Lucky, also makes virtual appearances throughout the show, and each Kylie segment is cleverly woven to help push along the bubbly plot.
The writer and director of this show - Debbie Isitt (creator of Nativity!) - displays brilliance in ensuring the musical never seems dated.
The cast perform the songs - which include Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up, Bananarama’s Love in the First Degree, and Kylie and Jason Donovan’s Especially For You - are vividly brought to life with a live backing band which adds a dynamic edge to the show.
The choreography by Jason Gilkison (creator director of Strictly Come Dancing) is a delight and full of energy.
The staging, costumes and set designs are bright and sparkling and add a real fizz to the show.
This is a sterling show that will have you smiling and dancing.
Go get lucky and take a trip down The Hit Factory parade.
Verdict: ★★★★★
I Should Be So Lucky is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 6 April
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