‘Walking down the street’ and into the West End, Pretty Woman: The Musical opened at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2020. Now, Pretty Woman: The Musical is transferring to the Savoy Theatre, with performances from 8 Jul. 2021. Based on the 1990 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, the stage adaptation of the romantic comedy received its Broadway premiere last year. Featuring original music by singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, we take a look at what audiences can expect from the West End premiere of Pretty Woman.
Pretty Woman: The Musical tickets at the Savoy Theatre are now on sale.
What is Pretty Woman: The Musical about?
When Edward Lewis, a wealthy corporate businessman is dumped by his girlfriend, he later finds himself in Hollywood’s red light district. Driving down Hollywood Boulevard, he encounters Vivian Ward – and the pair immediately hit it off. Revealing their personal lives to one another, Edward invites Vivian to accompany him to social and business functions for the next week, but as they grow closer together, can they overcome all odds and let go of their past lives?
Is Pretty Woman: The Musical different to the Pretty Woman film?
Fans of the 1990 film can rejoice, as the musical features a book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, the respective director and screenwriter of the original movie, so you'll be able to see your favourite moments from the film recreated live on stage. So, if you’re looking for a slice of movie magic in the heart of the West End, you’ll want to see Pretty Woman: The Musical in London.
When did Pretty Woman: The Musical premiere?
The world premiere of Pretty Woman: The Musical was at the Oriential Theatre in Chicago, running from 13 March - 15 April 2018. Shortly after, Pretty Woman: The Musical transferred to Broadway, beginning performances at the Nederlander Theatre, with previews from 20 July and an opening night on 16 August in the same year. Pretty Woman: The Musical ran on Broadway for a year, closing on 18 Aug. 2019.
Pretty Woman: The Musical made its West End premiere at the Piccadilly Theatre on 13 Feb. 2020. The show originally ran to 14 March, but were forced to suspend performances after the Coronavirus pandemic.
Pretty Woman: The Musical has now found a new London home, with performances at the Savoy Theatre from 8 July.
Who wrote Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Pretty Woman: The Musical is written by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, the respective director and screenwriter of the original movie. Marshall’s writing credits include the American sitcom Happy Days, as well as directing films like The Princess Diaries and Frankie and Johnny. Lawton’s recent film credits include Jackson, Chain Reaction and The Hunted.
Who wrote the songs in Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Music and lyrics for Pretty Woman: The Musical are by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. A multi-award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter, Adams has collaborated with Vallance for over 30 years on songs including ‘Heaven’, ‘Run to You’ and ‘Summer of ‘69’.
Although Jim Vallance is best known for his work with Adams, he’s also written songs for some of the world’s biggest international artists, including Ozzy Osbourne and Tina Turner.
Who is in the cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical?
The iconic role of the ‘Pretty Woman’ Vivian Ward is played by Aimie Atkinson. She’s an Olivier Award-nominated actress who is best known for originating the role of Katherine Howard in Six at the Arts Theatre. She has also starred in musicals including In The Heights and Zorro.
Danny Mac plays Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman: The Musical. He’s a West End regular, previously appearing in White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre and On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Rachael Wooding plays Kit De Luca, with Neil McDermott as Philip Stuckey, Bob Harms as the Happy Man and Mark Holden as James Morse. Casting is completed by Jemma Alexander, Andy Barke, Kimberly Blake, Katie Bradley, Oliver Brenin, Alex Charles, Olly Christopher, Ben Darcy, Daniel De Bourg, Hannah Ducharme, Nicholas Duncan, Paige Fenlon, Damon Gould, Alex Hammond, Antony Hewitt, Matt Jones, Serina Mathew, Katie Monks, Lily Wang, Joanna Woodward, and Charlotte Elisabeth Yorke.
What theatre in London is Pretty Woman: The Musical playing at?
Pretty Woman: The Musical is at the Savoy Theatre. Pretty Woman: The Musical continues a trend of Broadway musicals at the Savoy Theatre, including 9 to 5, Dreamgirls and Legally Blonde.
What is the running time of Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Pretty Woman: The Musical has a running time of 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15 minute interval.
What are the songs in Pretty Woman: The Musical?
As well as the 1964 song by Roy Orbison, the Pretty Woman soundtrack features an original score. Listen to the Pretty Woman: The Musical soundtrack here, featuring up-tempo pop-rock songs including ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ and ‘Rodeo Drive’.
Act 1
"Welcome to Hollywood" – Happy Man, Kit and Company
"Anywhere but Here" – Vivian
"Something about Her (Preamble)" – Edward
"Welcome to Hollywood (Reprise)" – Happy Man
"Something about Her" – Edward
"I Could Get Used To This" – Vivian
"Luckiest Girl in the World" – Vivian, Kit and Giulio
"Rodeo Drive" – Kit and Company
"Anywhere but Here" (Reprise) – Vivian
"On a Night like Tonight" – Mr. Thompson and Company
"Don't Forget to Dance" – Happy Man, Scarlett and Company
"Freedom" – Edward
"You're Beautiful" – Edward, Vivian and Company
Act 2
"Welcome to Our World (More Champagne)" – Stuckey, Kit and Company
"This Is My Life" – Vivian
"Never Give Up on a Dream" – Happy Man, Kit and Company
"You and I" – Edward, Alfredo, Violetta and Company
"I Can't Go Back" – Vivian
"Freedom" (Reprise) – Edward
"Long Way Home" – Vivian and Edward
"Together Forever" – Edward, Vivian, Happy Man, Kit and Company
"Finale/Oh, Pretty Woman" – Edward, Vivian, Kit, Mr. Thompson and Full Company
What are the reviews of Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Pretty Woman: The Musical has been praised for staying true to the original movie. In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, Mark Shenton said: “There may be a bit of wish-fulfillment to all of this… but it also has a happy, eventually feel-good vibe to it… there's at least a curtain call reprise of Roy Orbison's famous 1964 hit single that gave the original film its title to send you out on a high.”
The Evening Standard’s Nick Curtis praised its leading cast, saying: “Danny Mac imbues repressed asset-stripper Edward with just the right blend of arrogance and suavity. But it’s Aimie Atkinson who is the undoubted star, vanquishing memories of Roberts – while stylishly carrying off a version of her cinematic wardrobe – as an utterly winning, heartfelt Vivian.”
What are some fun facts about Pretty Woman: The Musical?
During the Broadway run, a performance was dedicated to original screenwriter Garry Marshall, with Julia Roberts attending the performance.
Samantha Barks played Vivian Ward on Broadway. She’ll now play Elsa in Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Pretty Woman: The Musical has played on the continent too, with performances in Hamburg from September 2019.
How do I get tickets for Pretty Woman: The Musical?
Pretty Woman: The Musical is at the Savoy Theatre.
Pretty Woman: The Musical tickets are on sale now.
Photo credit: Pretty Woman Cast (Photo by Helen Maybanks)
