First there was the Mamma Mia! musical featuring the songs of ABBA. Then arrived The Band which was based on the songs of Take That. Now a new musical containing the songs of the hit writing trio Stock, Aitken and Waterman has appeared.
During the latter part of the 80s the three songwriters and producers brought a cavalcade of hits to the charts, in the process launching the musical careers of artists as diverse as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley and Jason Donovan, besides reviving those of Donna Summer, Bananarama, and Brother Beyond amongst others.
I should be so lucky
At the time, the trio’s musical output was often sneered at by music critics but loved by the record-buying public. Through time their songs have endured and are now rightly seen as being pop classics. Over three years in the making, I Should Be So Lucky has started a tour of the UK, arriving at Leeds Grand Theatre for the Christmas period. And rather than being a proverbial turkey, the musical sparkles on all counts.
Jilted bride Ella (Lucie-Mae Sumner) decides to go away on the honeymoon to Turkey that groom Nathan (Billy Roberts) had arranged, with Ella taking along all her friends and family! As a huge mirror descended from the rafters, Kylie arrives in the first of many cameo appearances – the effect might have been a surprising one had you have not seen it utilised in pantomimes many times before. Rather like a Fairy Godmother, Kylie was always semi-present giving advice and encouragement.
The dialogue fitted in well with the lyrical content of the songs. As Ella is left alone at the altar, the cast break into Jason Donovan’s Number One hit, Too Many Broken Hearts.
Stock, Aitken and Waterman
The hits continued in this fast-paced show, which uses clever lighting to bring the warmth of Turkey to a cold winter’s night in Leeds. Watch out too for some subtle hints regarding Stock, Aitken and Waterman’s past – Sheffield is mentioned as are Bradford and Huddersfield – all places where Pete Waterman’s Hit Man and Her TV series was filmed.
As the wedding guests arrive in Turkey, several romantic relationships develop. At times it did seem that too many sub-plots were evolving, but these all get quickly wrapped up and explained at the end of the show. The stereotypical portrayal of the male gay characters might not sit easily with the gay community, who were the first to recognise the brilliance of the songwriting trio, through the Hi-Energy club scene.
Besides having a talented cast, the real stars of this entertaining musical are the songs themselves. You might not recognise them all, though if you are a fan of some of the best pop tunes ever written, this feel-good musical is Especially For You.
I Should Be So lucky runs until Saturday 30 December 2023 at Leeds Grand Theatre.
