Pretty Woman - Piccadilly / Savoy / Tour

Tried rush for the whole 20 minutes and finally got stalls L2 about 2 minutes ago, the last ticket probably as they’re now sold out!

I think it was about that on Broadway, yes.

I'm not surprised by the reviews and I think 2 stars is fair if the Broadway production is anything to go by - the story is as problematic as it was back in 1990, the set is tacky, the score is forgettable and the characters aren't anything special. A fairly bland way to pass an evening but not much more than that.

I would only have returned to see Samantha Barks as I missed her in NY, but as she isn't doing it I won't be going near this.

This was so good I almost peed my pants (I preferred it to The Pirates of Penzance).

Seriously though, the omission of said classic line aside, this was all really rather good.

Had a day off yesterday and when the Upper Circle 40 quid press night tickets were released seemed a sign that I was destined to see this (had pencilled in Prince of Egypt originally but all I have heard so far is somewhat meh so postponed that plan).

Well, I don't know if it was the press night buzz, the feel that I hadn't been ripped off, the very low expectations set by the Broadway reviews or the freebie chocolates and programme, but this massively exceeded my expectations.

Of course the story is unlikely and the same story being released today would not cut it. But it was a film I really liked in 1990 and even though I'm not usually a fan of movies plonked on stage, this was a delightful walk down memory lane.

Music in musicals is always key for me and although this is not life changing, Bryan Adams (who I've always been a fan off) has provided a catchy and upbeat score. Performed loud with a fabulous sound design it really gained life that seems lacking on the CD. I have been humming all day!

The cast are brilliant. Aimie Atkinson is such a warm and likeable Vivian with killer vocals. Danny Mac is so gorgeous I could forgive anything but trying to be objective he was an appropriate Edward (the character is meant to be emotionally withdrawn). Rachel Wooding totally slays it as Kit. And Bob Harms was also great as the combined Happy Man/Hotel Manager - a really clever role. Special mention for Alex Charles as Giulio the bellboy - just adorable and very funny. I really loved the gay undertones of his dance sequence with the hotel manager. So cute!

The set (I mean my expectations in fairness were on the floor) - in of course the era where nobody spends any money - was fine. I mean fair enough it's not exactly lavish, but it looked minimal, rather than cheap. They are different things! Personally prefer less set pieces rather than ugly/cheap looking ones. Complemented by a warm lighting design, it framed the action well and lets your imagination do the rest. Was also very pleased to see the set pieces all fully automated rather than being pushed on by the cast.

Not massively surprised the critics didn't go for it. And no doubt this will attract the kind of audience that will keep the bad behaviour thread in full throttle (thank God we had 100% good behaviour last night) for the rest of the year. I guess in the era of sensitivities and easy offence it is easy to pick out the obvious plot issues. But TBO I don't see how this could have worked if updated for the 'woke' generation and I am glad they didn't try.

But overall I just got a sense of joy, warmth and fun from it. And the best antidote to Brexit Britain, floods, storms and Corona-hysteria since &Juliet.

Clearly not a classic musical that we'll be talking about in 20 years, but this will have a healthy run, is a good night out and gets a solid 4 stars from me.

As a huge fan of Aimee's I'm delighted she is finally getting plumb leading West End roles. Danny Mac I've seen in a number of shows and he has always been good but I feel he may be a bit too young to play Edward. He is actually younger than Aimee in real life and Richard Gere with the swarve silver fox look bought a bit of gravitas to the film role. Ideally a guy about 40 might have been better suited but good luck to Danny in the role.

A Disney film about prostitution- what a novel idea.

I'm afraid I don't have any numbers, but fortunately they are not necessary when judging artistic worth or good taste.

Well it perfectly sells this imagination free money grab show.

I recommend checking ATG the night before or earlier in the morning before rush opens. I rushed for the Weds matinee and got F22 in stalls, which was available for purchase the night before at full price, so I believe the show just puts up unsold seats for rush.

Email atgcustomer@theambassadors.com, quote your order number and tell them you would like a refund instead of the credit note and they'll sort it. ☺

They generally seem a lot more efficient at processing refunds now than they were a few months ago, once you look beyond the emails that fail to mention refunds are an option!

I note on the ATG website that is is now extended to 24th April 2021

Any news of this opening again?