AD-Gifted
You better ‘believe’ The Cher Show is here to entertain like never before. And they definitely got the memo, go big or go home! This is a production that Cher herself must be proud of.
I’ll assume that we all know the icon, the goddess, the pop sensation that is Cher. Well, this musical puts her front and centre as we learn of her rise to fame.
It is really cleverly done as we are introduced to three Cher’s who represent three key stages in her life. Through the power of her music and pacey storytelling, they tell her turbulent story. Think Mamma Mia, a jukebox style musical, but way more epic and with real life drama.
Read my review of Six the Musical and don’t forget to get your Lion King musical tickets!
What’s better than one Cher? Three of course!
Starting with ‘innocence’, we see a young girl who is shy, bullied and struggling to find her identity. Next, we meet ‘confidence’ who has not only become a mother but also a super star and starts to take ownership of her life. We finish with ‘arrogance’ and a Cher who is struggling to stay relevant in a changing world.
I learnt so much about her life. For example, I had no idea that her husband, Sonny, took all of her money! Or that Cher started in comedy. Although now it makes sense as she has always been brutally funny and this show totally leaned into that deadpan humour, which I was living for.
A spectacle in every way!
The soundtrack is sensational. I forgot just how many hits Cher has. This show fast forwards through over 30 songs including ‘I got you babe’, ‘If I could turn back time’, ‘Believe’, and ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves’ to name just a few. Don’t worry, you get your chance to sing and dance in the finale!
The choreography is iconic. You can tell the fabulous Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing has something to do with it. The Latin infused street style is incredibly unique, sassy and memorable. It adds drama and flare to every number.
The fashion is full on and over the top. They’ve nicely recreated some of the outfits from her past with all the leather, feathers, glitter, sequins and fringing you would expect. It’s so much fun to see what the Cher’s will come out in next.
A trio that slayed
I don’t know if I can find the words for the incredible leading ladies.
It was so inspiring to see women totally owning their talent and slaying on stage. Their Cher impressions felt very authentic to me. Don’t think those terrible attempts on RuPaul’s drag race. They were transformed and completely in character.
Millie O’Connell was wonderfully innocent, naïve and love struck with a youthful energy.
Danielle Steers brought solid strength with an effortlessly powerful voice that nearly had me falling out of my seat.
Debbie Kurup showed just how incredibly talented she is and did feel like the Cher who had earned life experience.
Together this trio were phenomenal.
The Cher Show is fierce as f*ck with a powerhouse of leading ladies that you need in your life so snap outta it and buy your tickets today!
Playing at Opera House in Manchester until Saturday 21 May.
Image Credit: Pamela Raith Photography