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I Should Be So Lucky is a brand spanking new musical that has premiered in Manchester! And you should feel so lucky as it’s a summery sensation that will bring you joy, especially in these winter months.
Recognise the title? Well, it might ring a bell to any Kylie Minogue fans out there as this ICON of the pop world features heavily. Not just her music but also as a type of virtual love guru to bride, Ella. So let’s find out her story…
Don’t forget to read my review of The Drifters Girl
Love in the first degree
Ella gets jilted at the altar. But she makes lemonade out of lemons and throws a glug of Gin in for good measure, by going on her honeymoon regardless! Her family keep her company and this rowdy Northern bunch descend on a 5-star tranquil resort in Turkey.
Maybe it’s the sunshine and shots, but soon this tropical location starts to spread the love. Ella finds herself a holiday romance, her sis hits it off with a rich man, her mum reconnects with her inner woman and her bestie might just have cracked it with a local masseuse.
But ex-fiancé, Nathan, decides he ‘never wants to give her up’ and flies across the ocean to fix his mistake. Is it too late? Or will this honeymoon bring them ‘together forever’?
The Heaven I Need
A lot happens, very quickly and it’s done super slick. Fast paced and tight. And yes, it’s superficial and silly but who cares! This show is a big fat cheese ball and I am HERE FOR IT. You know what you’re in for the moment the musical opens.
Huge light up hearts frame the stage, pink lighting drenches the set and Kylie Minogue digitally floats down like the hottest fairy godmother you’ve ever seen. It’s wonderfully garish in the best of ways.
And funny. I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s especially enjoyable when you can tell just how much fun the cast are having on stage. Leading lady Lucie-Mae Sumner really does shimmer and sparkle, with a company that brings high camp and high energy.
Who wouldn’t have a ball with the soundtrack they get to sing every day. There’s special musical arrangements from the back catalogue of Stock Aitken and Waterman, including Kylie, Jason Donovan, Bananarama and Rick Astley. It’s hit after hit after hit.
Grab your sex on the beach and the people you love most and take them to this show. I Should Be So Lucky is a holiday from life. Do not miss it before it goes on tour!
Playing at Opera House in Manchester until Saturday 25 November October 2023.
Image credit: Marc Brenner