If you are looking for something entertaining, fun and cheesy, then new musical I Should Be So Lucky is for you.
This new show has only been on the musical theatre circuit for a few months after its premiere in Manchester, and is now playing at the New Theatre Oxford as part of its UK tour.
The opening bars from the show’s title track, Kylie’s I Should be So Lucky struck, and boom we were taken back to the 1980s with a feast of the best of Stock Aitken Waterman tunes. Respectable, Showin’ Out, Too Many Broken Hearts, Toy Boy, You Spin Me Round, we could keep going because there were 25 classic tunes in total.
I Should be So Lucky is the story of Nathan and Ella, childhood sweethearts about to get married, but as in all the best romances, things didn’t go to plan… and Ella is jilted at the altar. But instead of wallowing in self-pity her family and friends whisk her off to Turkey for the honeymoon she should have had.
And that’s when the adventures began! Think stereotypical Brits abroad with a dash of the television show Benidorm and you might come close to this show! There are some hilarious moments – Nathan’s grandfather’s response when he told him he had jilted Ella at the alter because of the ‘family secret’, “Don’t ask me I’ve got f***ing dementia” he shouted, while Spencer’s disco outfit is something to behold!
One of our favourite characters was Nathan’s best friend and best man, Ash, played by Giovanni Spano, he’s a bit of a wide boy but he had some great one liners. Post the ‘wedding’ he described Ella’s dad Shrek on steroids and advised Nathan “If he comes for you, do a Usain and bolt!”
We also liked hotel manager Spencer, played by Jamie Chapman, who was camp and loveable, and played the protective father role towards Ella. Watch out for the masseuse Hassan, played by Ralph Bogard, those click made us wince and the many double-entendres, especially when he meets Michael (Scott Paige), made us chuckle
Without giving away the storyline, expect drama, comedy, danger and lots of romance! Suffice to say there was a happy ending for all. And that went double for the audience – who were on their feet for the closing musical medley!
We went along to the show on opening night – and yes there were some technical issues causing the show to stop for about 15 minutes, but we were really impressed by how the cast picked it back-up and didn’t let the interruption phase them – well done!
For something to brighten a cold, dark February evening, the show is on at Oxford’s New Theatre until Saturday, you can buy tickets here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/i-should-be-so-lucky/new-theatre-oxford/
When: Mon 5th Feb – Sat 10th Feb 2024
Where: New Theatre Oxford
Price: Tickets available from £13.00
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (incl. interval)
