Last night (Tuesday 14 November) a new musical had its world premiere at Manchester’s Opera House, and the Grade II listed theatre in the heart of Manchester was packed to the rafters with local celebrities having a wonderful time. I Should Be So Lucky is the new, original jukebox musical, chronicling the greatest hits from the iconic Stock Aitken Waterman record label, most famous for catapulting Kylie Minogue to the top of the charts – hence the musical’s title. Read our review of I Should Be So Lucky below.
I Should Be So Lucky is about family, friends and being there when it matters most. Featuring ten number one singles and over thirty era-defining songs from the Hit Factory, slip into those summer sandals, pop on your shades and lose yourself in this whirlwind of sun-kissed adventures and iconic pop classics.
Dive deep into a heartwarming and rib-tickling tale of Ella and Nathan – a star-crossed couple with wedding jitters and tropical dreams. Will their love sail smoothly, or are stormy break-ups ahead? Only time and tunes will tell.
Of course, the musical is deeply funny, with a hearty mixture of classic slapstick and cheeky digs cleverly engineered alongside smart observations on our society that give us a chuckle. The contrast between some real heartfelt moments and outlandish camp behaviour makes I Should Be So Lucky all the more magnetic, and the performances and musical talent are second-to-none.
A convincing starring performance from Lucie-May Sumner (Ella) holds the entire plot together, consulting her reflection – which is actually Kylie Minogue in a quasi-Fairy Godmother role, reflected to Ella in the mirror – for moral support throughout her ordeal. The family and friends that surround her evoke a lovely warmth that we all want to feel from the people we love – wouldn’t you want to be dragged to Turkey on your honeymoon with five loved ones after having been jilted at the altar?
A special shout out goes to Scott Paige (Michael) and Kayla Carter (Bonnie) as the two best friends who provide endless love and laughs in the darkest times, and who both come out of the group honeymoon with more than just a tan. The range of massive tunes included is a testament to the genius of Stock Aitken Waterman, and the trio even made a special appearance at the end of last night’s performance, saying a few words and receiving overwhelming praise from cast and audience alike.
Directed by stage and screen legend Debbie Isitt (the mind behind the hit Nativity! franchise) and choreographed by Jason Gilkison (creative director for Strictly Come Dancing), get ready to hear Stock Aitken Waterman’s beloved chart-toppers like never before in the brand new musical sensation of the year.
We couldn’t stop smiling throughout, and there wasn’t a single bum on seat as the cast took their bows and performed a final medley. The entire experience is feel-good from start to end, and being in a room with an audience ready to sing and dance the night away is a properly uplifting way to spend an evening, and well worth it.
I Should Be So Lucky is playing at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 25 November, and tickets are available here. The musical will then be embarking on a UK tour including Oxford, Glasgow and Liverpool – find tickets here.