The music of Stock Aitken Waterman is nothing short of iconic. Dominating the British music scene during the 1980's and 1990's, they are amongst the most successful songwriters and producers in the pop music scene. With such an array of fantastic songs from artists such as Kylie, Rick Astley, and Bananarama, their fans have spanned decades and their songs are still enjoyed to this day.
When it was announced in 2023 that a musical titled "I Should Be So Lucky" and comprised solely of Stock Aitken Waterman tracks was to be released, you have to have a slight air of concern. Personally, the jukebox musical can be completely hit or miss. Some shows that I think would have done well have fallen short, whilst other rogue musicals have completely won me over. Going into this show at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, I have to say I was dubious, would I be so lucky to have a fab night?
I Should Be So Lucky follows the story of Ella, a young bride who cannot wait to spend the rest of her life with Nathan, her soon to be husband. That is until he leaves her jilted at the altar. Destined to not spend the rest of her days miserable, her family and bridesmaids whisk her away on her honeymoon to distract her and help her come to terms with this heartbreaking news. When Nathan realises that he made the wrong choice and needs to rekindle his romance, he must battle new loves, family members, and his heartbroken fiancee to try and save their future.
One thing I loved about this show was that it didn't take itself seriously at all. It was camp, colourful, and absolutely cheesy and it knew it. Written by the creator of the Nativity! series, Debbie Isitt is no stranger to creating the perfect blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, and honestly she nailed it with this show. Fusing together nostalgia, drama, and enough risque jokes to shock your nan, I Should Be So Lucky knows that it's main aim is to entertain, and entertain it does!
As I mentioned before, I can sometimes struggle with jukebox musicals, but these songs didn't feel jarring, they flowed with the story, and they fully embraced the celebration that the show was trying to tell. Featuring songs such as "Together Forever", "Toy Boy", and "Especially For You", this show truly has hit after hit for everyone to enjoy (even me; a girl firmly stuck in the 00's emo generation!).
I thoroughly enjoyed Lucie-Mae Sumner and Billy Roberts as Ella and Nathan, the young lovebirds who are on a pathway back together. Whilst the ensemble cast can also celebrate their successes as they shone just as bright with Jessica Daley as sister Britney, Jamie Chapman as hotel owner Spencer, Mathew Croke as hotel host Nadeem, and Scott Paige as bridesman Michael. I have to say that I loved Kayla Carter as best friend and bridesmaid Bonnie, her singing was just insane, whilst Giovanni Spano as the best man Ash was absolutely hilarious.
Of course the main event was the queen of pop herself. Kylie made a guest appearance as the wonderful queen in the mirror and I loved how she popped up with not only friendly and fierce advice, but also with some wonderful nods to her brilliant career. We love a queen that can celebrate herself and not take herself too seriously at the same time.
Overall, I was seriously impressed with I Should Be So Lucky. With a fantastic set of hearts creating the set to go alongside the heart of the show itself, you can truly feel that you have been whisked away in the fun and refreshing show. If you're after something high brow, then this definitely is the show for you, but if you want something that doesn't take itself seriously, enjoys itself, and has the whole audience on their feet dancing at the end, then you should be so lucky to get a ticket to this show!
Running at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 27/01/24, before continuing on a UK tour, please click the following links for more info.
I Should Be So Lucky - Mayflower Tickets
No comments