Theatre Review: I Should Be So Lucky by Angela Wybrow

On 25th January, 2024, I went to see the matinee performance of Stock, Aitken and Waterman's new musical, I Should Be So Lucky, at the Mayflower Theatre, in Southampton. 

The story follows bride, Ella, played by Lucie-Mae Sumner, and her husband-to-be, Nathan, played by Billy Roberts. On their wedding day, Nathan decides that he is unable to go through with the wedding, leaving Ella jilted at the altar. Despite this major upset, Ella is persuaded by her family and friends to go on the (already paid for) honeymoon to Turkey regardless, rather than waste the money, which she agrees to. Later, realising that he has made a huge mistake, Nathan, accompanied by his friend, Ash, played by Giovanni Spano, fly to Turkey, in order to make amends with Ella and win her back. But, it isn't all plain sailing. 

Mathew Croke, who I had seen playing the title role in Aladdin, at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, back in 2017, was among the cast, playing the role of Tourist Guide, Nadeem, Ella's handsome love interest, whilst in Turkey.

At this performance, Ella's mum, Shelley, was played by Lauren Woolf. 

Special mention should go to Gary Davis, as Ella's friend, Big Mike, who is a particularly lovable and fun character, but, who also shows his softer side. 

Pop icon, Kylie Minogue, made a number of virtual appearances, on a drop down screen, as Ella's guiding light, throughout the show. 

I particularly liked use of the screen at the rear of the Set, which was frequently used to help set the scene, and depict things such as movement, in the case of the jet-skis and boat, and height, in the case of the hot air balloon - and, to provide a lifelike virtual beach backdrop, with blues skies and foamy waves breaking onto the shore, when the weather was fine, plus, thunder and lightning and torrential rain, when the storm struck. 

The numerous pop hits, featured in the show, included, I Should Be So Lucky, Too Many Broken Hearts, Toy Boy, Never Gonna Give You Up, Venus, Especially For You, and Love In The First Degree. 

At the end of the show, the cast performed a medley of some of the hits, which were featured in the production, and, I was stood up, singing and clapping along, with many other people in the audience.

The production was very lively, energetic, fast paced, and colourful. It was a real feel-good show, and, even as the audience were leaving the theatre, a number of them could be heard singing the catchy songs, which were featured

For me, this was a last minute booking, as, originally, I wasn't totally convinced that it was my cup of tea. I was a little worried that the characters may appear quite shallow, but, this was not the case, and I found the characters really likeable and well-rounded. I really loved the show, and I am so glad that I made the decision to go.