The cast of I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY UK Tour. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
Feel-good, funny, and bursting with energy, I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY hits all the right notes.
With more than 100 UK top-40 hits to their name, it’s surprising that it’s taken this long for a musical based on the music of Stock Aitken Waterman to hit the stage. Finally, the beloved hit factory songs that we all know, and love, have been brought to life in an all-new, feel-good musical.
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY follows young couple, Ella and Nathan, who are about to take the next step in their relationship: marriage. However, when Nathan gets cold feet, and leaves Ella jilted at the altar, Ella channels her inner Kylie and takes the entire wedding party on the honeymoon, where they meet new characters and shenanigans ensue.
The cast of I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY UK Tour. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
If you enjoy funny, feel-good musicals bursting with energy, I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY hits all the right notes. Written and directed by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the NATIVITY franchise, the script is filled with fun, likeable characters and witty one-liners, all woven into an original story of love, laughter and last-minute getaways.
Add in Tom Rogers’ bold and bright set and costume design, Howard Hudson’s colourful lighting design and Jason Gilkison’s inventive choreography, and I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY competes with the fun factor of hit musicals & JULIET and MAMMA MIA!
In the lead roles of Ella and Nathan, Lucie-Mae Sumner and Billy Roberts display great chemistry and impressive vocals to match.
The cast of I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY UK Tour. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
The best of the comedy comes from Scott Paige as Ella’s bestie Michael, Giovanni Spano as Ash and Jemma Churchill as Ella’s nan Ivy. Even Kylie Minogue appears as a specially created digital character, driving the story forward and contributing to the comedic charm.
However, the real standout is Kayla Carter’s performance of YOU’LL NEVER STOP ME FROM LOVING YOU, delivering the Sonia number with sass and soul.
The story moves at a blistering pace, with almost 25 numbers crammed into the two-hour musical. Multiple storylines unfold, including a gambling addiction, a hotel theft, and a family secret, and the quick succession of musical numbers leaves barely enough time to catch a breath. There’s a sense that with some tightening, the show could become something truly special.
Yet, any shortcomings are easily forgiven when the soundtrack kicks in, with classics including Kylie Minogue’s I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY, Rick Astley’s NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP, Jason Donovan’s ESPECIALLY FOR YOU and Bananarama’s LOVE IN THE FIRST DEGREE all featuring in the show.
Before you know it, you’re transported into a whirlwind of sun-kissed adventures, losing yourself in iconic pop classics with the ease of slipping into summer sandals and donning shades.
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY runs at the Opera House, Manchester, until 25 November 2023.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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