Theatre Review: I Should Be So Lucky, Bristol Hippodrome

Summary

Rating: ★★★

Running Dates: Tuesday 9th April - Saturday 13th April 2024

Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome

Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes (incl. intervals)

Keywords: Fun, Camp, Feel-Good

Review

Take your mum, your auntie, your big sister! This show is an 80s Jukebox classic, that will have you dancing in your seat!

I Should Be So Lucky is about family, friends and being there when it matters most. Featuring ten Number 1 singles and over thirty era-defining songs from the 80s, all intertwined in a story of love laughter and last minute getaways. This musical tells the story of Ella, a jilted bride and her search for love and herself.

Take your mum, your auntie, your big sister! This show is an 80s Jukebox classic, that will have you dancing in your seat! I mean, who doesn’t love a feel good sing along! This new musical is Mamma Mia meets Strictly meets 80’s rom com, with lots to like. 

The show promises to be jam packed with pop throwback hits and it definitely delivers, even for those born after 1980! The plot is quite fast paced and leaves no time to get bored, although occasionally it races through parts of the story line so quickly it lacks depth and explanation. But, it is delightfully silly and  farcical and because of that, it just gets away with it!

If you enjoy classic British banter, puns and innuendo then this show is great, as there are lots of fantastic one liners that will keep you smiling the whole way through, and the cast keep things feeling light and never too serious, even when it feels a bit far fetched.

Of course, as this show has a strong Kylie presence from being part of its creation. The pop princess herself makes lots of guest appearances in the form of a ‘fairy god mother’ character, that appears to the bride via a magical mirror whenever she needs her. If I’m totally honest, I found this a little cringeworthy and lacking in necessity, but there were some sweet moments fro her.

The cast are fantastic throughout and are all incredibly talented. Surprisingly while the leading lady was amazing, it was the supporting acts that carried the show. Giovanni Spano who plays Ash, the grooms best friend, for me was the standout character. He is a typical cheeky lad with dry humour and comical impressions while also being endearing and kind. He totally stole the show. In particular in the scene at the club where he and the groom are in disguise had me in stitches.

Sharing ‘favourite character’ title was Kayla Carter who stars as the bridesmaid Bonnie, who in the first half of the show she takes your breath away with a stunning cover of ‘If you were with me now’. I was defiantly left wanting more from her and her incredible voice.

 Standout Quote or Moment: Something that really stood out about the show was how diversely it had been cast. It was incredible to not just see your typical stereotype performer but instead a real celebration of colours, heights, body types and sexualities, and probably one of the most inclusive shows I've seen. It is an absolute joy to watch because of this.

Similar Plays: Bat Out Of Hell, Mamma Mia, Rock of Ages

Last Impression: A fun night out, but left me feeling like something was missing.

To get tickets for the show click here

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Alie Joy