You’d think there was a bit of pressure writing a review about a brand new show, which had it’s world premiere in Manchester a couple of weeks ago. For me however, the fact that I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY has pulled in to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff as it’s second stop of a six month long run, is a real joy.
As we all sat in the a packed Donald Gordon theatre last night, knowing that the man who wrote these iconic songs was in the audience too (PETE WATERMAN) added to the sense of excitement. New show, some of the biggest hit songs of the 80s and 90s and as eager an audience as I’ve seen at a show for a long time.
The curtain opens on the wedding of Ella (LUCIE-MAE SUMNER) and Nathan (BILLY ROBERTS) only for it to be called off. And that’s when the story, and outrageous fun begins. Ella and her family head off on the honeymoon anyway, minus said bridegroom for a fun in the sun trip to Turkey. Except this is a musical and life isn’t always simple – but then again, when is real life ever simple too.
The soundtrack is incredible and it’s only when each song begins that you remember just what a powerhouse team Stock, Aitken, Waterman are. There was a time in our musical history when every other song played on the radio came from the Hit Factory, as they were known. Kylie, Jason, Bananarama, Rick Astley, Sinitta and even Cliff Richard fell under the spell of these songwriting masters.
The biggest testament to their success actually comes in this show itself. As I looked around the auditorium I could see people mouthing along to these enduring songs, which were the soundtrack of our youth and, I think it’s fair to say, lives.
So, what did the audience think of this new production – I think you can probably guess. We spoke to some of them after the show to find out. We also caught up with Pete Waterman and one of the stars of the production, Billy Roberts…….
Just like the songs of ABBA, Stock Aitken, Waterman created a sound of their own, and when one of their songs came on the radio, you were in no doubt it was them.
I mention ABBA because there are bound to be comparisons to Mamma Mia, of course there is. Holiday in the sun, romance, hit songs, the ingredients may appear the same but thanks to the talented creative team led by stage and screen legend DEBBIE ISSITT (director and writer of the hit NATIVITY! franchise) and JASON GILKISON (creative director for STRICTLY COME DANCING and EUROVISION 2023), you have a show which stands on it’s own merit.
There are something like 30 songs crammed into the production, although we do get slightly abridged versions and a few which are far removed from the originals – ‘Never Stop Me From Loving You‘ is a perfect example. Although when Bonnie (KAYLA CARTER) sings it, you feel this is how the song should always be performed.
There are times when some of the songs are repeated, but actually I felt that works. Let’s be honest, back in the day that’s exactly what we used to do when we played these tunes at home.
The cast are magnificent and really have to work hard in this production – it is relentless from start to finish and doesn’t let up for a second. You’re never more than a minute or two away from another classic hit.
I’ll also say, and I mean this in the nicest way possible, it’s a little bit brilliantly bonkers. We get hot air balloons, jet skis, big beds in the honeymoon suite and even KYLIE MINOGUE appearing as a ‘Fairy Godmother‘ like hologram in a mirror as inspiration to our main character Ella. It works really well, and the physical choreography between the pair is absolutely spot on.
There are some familiar faces to theatre goers in this show – ELLIOT BROADFOOT who plays Michael, JAMIE CHAPMAN lights up the stage with his flamboyant hotel manager Spencer and GIOVANNI SPANÒ as a very OTT Ash.But to single out anyone is wrong, this is a big company of players and eavch and everyone of them bring their own piece of joy to this uplifting musical.
You can check out the full cast list HERE.
I’ve got to give a mention to the band, under the musical direction of GEORGE DYER, they didn’t get a months break. This show is crammed full of songs and the music just keeps on coming – and let’s be honest, that’s one of the reasons we go to a Stock Aitken Waterman musical.
There are some stand out routines in the show but surprisingly, the one that I noticed got the biggest reaction was Sinnita’s Toyboy. I won’t give anything away but it is a great moment in the show and one which you’ll find hard to keep your bum firmly planted in your seat for. I also really loved the new take on the Dead or Alive classic ‘You Spin Me Round….‘
Okay, time to squeeze in a few musical puns now – if ever a musical was made ‘Especially For You‘ then this has to be it. Leave your troubles at the door, get your voices warmed for a good old singalong in the finale, and I promise you’ll be in heaven for a couple of hours, or at least ‘Venus‘.
I think I’m the only member of the audience who clocked the irony of something which happened last night. Outside the theatre there was massive road closures around the Pierhead Street Q Park – you may have seen it on our socials. Although the incident is now safely resolved, I did have a thought that Stock Aitken Waterman’s only hit as performers themselves was a song called ‘Roadblock‘, which we all had to endure on the streets around the WMC on opening night.
As Pete said in our video above, this is two hours of pure joy, and I agree. The set is bright, the costumes flashy and the hit sparkle like they did back i the day. Grab a ticket while you can – if you’re Lucky, Lucky, Lucky.
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY: The Stock Aitken Waterman Musical is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets, which start at just £16 are available now from HERE.
you can watch our full interview with Pete Waterman in our show feature – HERE.
